Cost of Living in Sterling Heights, MI
Population 133,473 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Sterling Heights's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $78,429 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.2% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Sterling Heights
The median home value in Sterling Heights is $260,700 — 15% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,267/month, 4% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $78,429/year is 5% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.2%, above the national average of 4.8%. Michigan's top state income tax rate is 4.3% and the combined sales tax is 6.0%. Overall, Sterling Heights has a cost of living index of 90 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 10% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Sterling Heights, MI?
Sterling Heights has a cost index of 90 (100 = national average). It is 10% below the national average.
What is average rent in Sterling Heights, MI?
The median gross rent in Sterling Heights is $1,267 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Sterling Heights?
The median home value in Sterling Heights is $260,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Sterling Heights?
The median household income in Sterling Heights is $78,429 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Sterling Heights, MI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Sterling Heights is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Sterling Heights, MI affordable?
Sterling Heights is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 90 (100 = US average).
Sterling Heights at a Glance
- Population
- 133,473
- Median Income
- $78,429
- Home Value
- $260,700
- Median Rent
- $1,267/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.2%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Michigan Rankings
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