A
3%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
8%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Sterling Heights Michigan National
Cost of living10389100
Goods & Services10293100
Groceries10399100
Health care10293100
Housing10874100
Transportation10097100
Utilities94101100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Sterling Heights, MI

Understanding the cost of living in Sterling Heights can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Sterling Heights cost of living index is 103, which is 3% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

In Sterling Heights, daily expenses such as food, housing, goods and services, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Sterling Heights will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Sterling Heights Affordable?

Is Sterling Heights affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Sterling Heights, the median home price is 7.4% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 10.7% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Sterling Heights boasting a median household income of $66,346, 19.9% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Sterling Heights?

Healthcare: Healthcare expenses and insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on the specific city or state. Factors such as accessibility to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's visits, dental care expenses, prescription costs and specialized medical care fees can all influence the overall cost of living. In Sterling Heights, healthcare costs are 2.2% higher than the national average.

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Sterling Heights, is 8.4% higher than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery prices have seen substantial hikes in the last 2-3 years, with some markets witnessing food cost increases of over 20% during this period. Conversely, certain markets have experienced only moderate upticks. These variations in food expenses can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of living in any locality. In Sterling Heights, the groceries index is 3.4% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Sterling Heights, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Sterling Heights is 15% higher than the Michigan average
  • The cost of living in Sterling Heights is 3% higher than the national average
  • Sterling Heights housing is 8% higher than the national average
  • Michigan general sales tax is 18% higher than the national average
  • Michigan state income tax is 88% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Sterling Heights

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Compare Sterling Heights, MI Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$74,337$6,195$1,734$2,230
      Renters$44,342$3,695$1,035$1,330
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Sterling Heights, MI, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Sterling Heights, the median monthly income is $74,337 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $1,734 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $44,342, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,035 on monthly rental expenses.

      Michigan Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Michigan 6% 6%

      Michigan Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Michigan 4.25% 4.25%

      Goods & Services

      Item Sterling Heights National avg. Difference
      Haircut $16.80$24.2630.8%
      Beauty Salon $24.78$45.5645.6%
      Toothpaste $3.66$3.701.1%
      Shampoo $1.13$1.2811.8%
      Movie $12.99$12.137.1%
      Bowling $12.33$18.0031.5%

      Groceries

      Item Sterling Heights National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.75$5.841.5%
      Fried Chicken $1.41$1.5710.4%
      Milk $4.78$4.672.3%
      Potatoes $4.80$4.932.8%
      Pizza $8.99$12.0925.6%
      Beer $9.04$10.4113.2%

      Health Care

      Item Sterling Heights National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $85.00$125.6832.4%
      Doctor $103.33$135.7823.9%
      Dentist $91.00$113.2919.7%
      Ibuprofen $10.22$10.654.1%
      Lipitor $490.11$468.604.6%

      Housing

      Item Sterling Heights National avg. Difference
      Home Price $198,300.00$184,700.007.4%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,709.07$2,346.6927.2%
      Apartment Rent $1,051.00$949.0010.7%

      Transportation

      Item Sterling Heights National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.35$3.463.1%
      Tire Balancing $56.00$59.926.5%

      Utilities

      Item Sterling Heights National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $219.20$193.9913.0%
      Phone $184.44$192.254.1%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Highland Park, MI10,8188218.3%
      Hamtramck, MI21,7048614.3%
      Pontiac, MI59,7148613.5%
      Center Line, MI8,2128812.0%
      Hazel Park, MI16,4528910.7%
      Sterling Heights, MI132,2961032.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Kingston, ON132,155n/a 
      Langley, BC132,088n/a 
      Visalia, CA133,10012019.7%
      Cedar Rapids, IA133,125937.1%
      Coral Springs, FL133,37012929.2%
      Sterling Heights, MI132,2961032.9%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.