Cost of Living: West Valley City, UT vs Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

West Valley City

Utah
109
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

West Valley City is 25% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,445/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 12%
$88,604/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↓ 11%
$377,300 ↑ 45%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 31%
$1,473/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 16%
137,955
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.58%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

19.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing West Valley City, UT and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $178/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $2,136/year.

Median household income is $10,175/year higher in West Valley City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in West Valley City is $377,300 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

West Valley City vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is West Valley City 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 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between West Valley City and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in West Valley City is $1,445/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $178/month.
Which city has higher income, West Valley City or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $88,604 in West Valley City and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $10,175/year higher in West Valley City.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Michigan?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to West Valley City or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. West Valley City has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,445/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 West Valley City details → View Sterling Heights details →

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