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

Warren

Michigan
73
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Warren is 16% cheaper than Sterling Heights.

$1,184/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↑ 7%
$63,741/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 23%
$181,900 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$260,700 ↑ 43%
$1,098/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 13%
138,128
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.38%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

22.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Warren, MI and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $83/month cheaper in Warren, saving renters about $996/year.

Median household income is $14,688/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Warren is $181,900 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Michigan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Warren vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Warren or Sterling Heights cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Warren is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Warren and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Warren is $1,184/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $83/month.
Which city has higher income, Warren or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $63,741 in Warren and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $14,688/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Michigan?
Both cities are in Michigan and share the same state tax rates: 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Warren or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Warren has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,184/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 Warren details → View Sterling Heights details →

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