Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Virginia Beach is 34% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,649/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 23%
$90,685/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↓ 14%
$366,300 ↑ 41%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 29%
$1,704/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 27%
457,066
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $382/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $4,584/year.

Median household income is $12,256/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Sterling Heights slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Sterling Heights cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sterling Heights is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $382/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $12,256/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Michigan?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Sterling Heights has a cost index of 87 with rent of $1,267/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Sterling Heights details →

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