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

Yonkers

New York
133
VS

Sterling Heights

Michigan
87

Yonkers is 53% more expensive than Sterling Heights.

$1,730/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,267/mo ↓ 27%
$81,816/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$78,429/yr ↓ 4%
$478,000 ↑ 83%
Home Value
$260,700 ↓ 45%
$1,759/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 29%
209,529
Population
133,473

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

25.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Yonkers, NY and Sterling Heights, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 133 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $463/month cheaper in Sterling Heights, saving renters about $5,556/year.

Median household income is $3,387/year higher in Yonkers. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Yonkers is $478,000 compared to $260,700 in Sterling Heights.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Yonkers vs Sterling Heights — common questions

Is Yonkers 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 133 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Yonkers and Sterling Heights?
Median rent in Yonkers is $1,730/month and in Sterling Heights it's $1,267/month — a difference of $463/month.
Which city has higher income, Yonkers or Sterling Heights?
Median household income is $81,816 in Yonkers and $78,429 in Sterling Heights. Median household income is $3,387/year higher in Yonkers.
How do taxes compare between New York and Michigan?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Yonkers or Sterling Heights?
It depends on your priorities. Yonkers has a cost index of 133 with median rent of $1,730/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 Yonkers details → View Sterling Heights details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Yonkers and Sterling Heights

Yonkers vs. Fayetteville Yonkers vs. Cape Coral Yonkers vs. Rochester Yonkers vs. Worcester Yonkers vs. Frisco Yonkers vs. Columbus Sterling Heights vs. Coral Springs Sterling Heights vs. New Haven Sterling Heights vs. Midland Sterling Heights vs. Carrollton Sterling Heights vs. Kent Sterling Heights vs. Santa Clara