Cost of Living: Waco, TX vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

Waco

Texas
72
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Waco is 17% cheaper than Sterling Heights.

$1,098/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↑ 15%
$51,468/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 52%
$199,600 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$260,700 ↑ 31%
$1,094/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 14%
141,925
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waco, TX and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $169/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $2,028/year.

Median household income is $26,961/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waco is $199,600 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Waco vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Waco or Sterling Heights cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waco and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Waco is $1,098/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $169/month.
Which city has higher income, Waco or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $51,468 in Waco and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $26,961/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Michigan?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Waco or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Waco has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,098/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 Waco details → View Sterling Heights details →

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