| Index | Sterling | Colorado | National |
| Cost of living | 99 | 115 | 100 |
| Groceries | 102 | 104 | 100 |
| Health care | 108 | 107 | 100 |
| Housing | 80 | 136 | 100 |
| Transportation | 107 | 106 | 100 |
| Utilities | 113 | 108 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 107 | 107 | 100 |
| Household Items | 107 | 105 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 117 | 111 | 100 |
Understanding the cost of living in Sterling 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 cost of living index is 99, which is 1% lower 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.
Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Sterling are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Sterling can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.
Is Sterling affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Sterling, for instance, where the median home price falls 22.9% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 14.3% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Sterling flaunting a median household income of $61,515, 24.4% lower than the national norm.
Transportation: If public transportation is limited or not available, residents may need to own and maintain vehicles, which can add to the cost of living. Gas, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or finance payments will all need to be paid on a monthly basis. In Sterling, the transportation index is 6.7% 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, is 20.3% lower than the national average.
Subsidies: Some cities and states may extend government subsidies or aid programs aimed at reducing the cost of living for their residents. These initiatives encompass diverse forms of support, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Regions with limited subsidy provisions may witness an increase in their overall cost of living.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Sterling are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.
| Cost of living index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $77,105 | $6,425 | $1,799 | $2,313 |
| Renters | $50,412 | $4,201 | $1,176 | $1,513 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Colorado | 2.9% | 10% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Colorado | 4.4% | 4.4% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Padroni, CO | 64 | 86 | 13.6% |
| Iliff, CO | 354 | 93 | 6.6% |
| Atwood, CO | 159 | 102 | 1.5% |
| Merino, CO | 280 | 102 | 1.7% |
| Morgan Heights, CO | 236 | 143 | 43.2% |
| Sterling, CO | 14,909 | 99 | 0.7% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Fort Campbell North, KY | 14,915 | 106 | 6.3% |
| North Auburn, CA | 14,919 | 137 | 37.1% |
| St. Clair, ON | 14,919 | n/a | |
| Roanoke Rapids, NC | 14,926 | 87 | 12.8% |
| Colesville, MD | 14,928 | 145 | 45.1% |
| Sterling, CO | 14,909 | 99 | 0.7% |
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