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

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Worcester is 20% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,415/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 10%
$67,544/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↑ 16%
$339,500 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 23%
$1,521/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 18%
205,501
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $148/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $1,776/year.

Median household income is $10,885/year higher in Sterling Heights. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Worcester 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 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $148/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $10,885/year higher in Sterling Heights.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Michigan?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Sterling Heights details →

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