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Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI

Cost of living in Sterling Heights, Michigan

Macomb County, MI

Part of the Detroit Metro Area

Estimated monthly cost
$3,156/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 877,624 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $1,090 35%
Federal tax $545 17%
Healthcare $480 15%
Groceries $326 10%
Transport $320 10%
Energy $191 6%
State tax $154 5%
Water $50 2%

Rent in Sterling Heights

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$991
per month
1 bedroom
$1,090
per month
2 bedroom
$1,378
per month
3 bedroom
$1,688
per month
4 bedroom
$1,827
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Sterling Heights

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$76,399
per year
Individual earnings
$43,364
per year
Per capita
$39,467
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Sterling Heights

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$231,400
Annual property tax
$3,293

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Sterling Heights

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$128
per month · 19.7¢/kWh
Natural gas
$63
per month
Annual total
$2,292
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in Sterling Heights

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
5.0%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in Sterling Heights

State and local tax rates for Michigan.

State income tax
4.3%
Flat rate
State sales tax
6.0%
Combined sales tax
6.0%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in Sterling Heights

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
26.8 min
Drive alone
77.8%
Public transit
0.6%
Work from home
11.5%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Sterling Heights

What it costs to live in Sterling Heights each month.

Single person
$3,156
per month
  • Rent $1,090
  • Energy $191
  • Water $50
  • Groceries $326
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $545
  • State tax $154
Couple
$4,682
per month
  • Rent $1,378
  • Energy $229
  • Water $60
  • Groceries $540
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $920
  • State tax $271
Family
$7,125
per month
  • Rent $1,688
  • Energy $286
  • Water $70
  • Groceries $820
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $920
  • State tax $271

Frequently asked questions about Sterling Heights

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Sterling Heights?

In Sterling Heights, Michigan, a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,090 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,378 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,688 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Sterling Heights?

In Sterling Heights, Michigan, the average household income is $76,399 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $43,364 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Sterling Heights?

The estimated cost of living in Sterling Heights, Michigan is approximately $3,156 per month for a single person, $4,682 for a couple, $7,125 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Sterling Heights?

The combined sales tax rate in Sterling Heights, Michigan is 6.00%, which includes the Michigan state rate of 6.00% plus an average local rate of 0.00%.

Is Sterling Heights an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Sterling Heights, Michigan would need approximately $3,156 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $76,399 per year ($6,367 per month). Sterling Heights is relatively affordable compared to the national average.

How much does healthcare cost in Sterling Heights?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Sterling Heights, Michigan is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 5.0% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Sterling Heights?

The average home value in Sterling Heights, Michigan is $231,400, with average annual property taxes of $3,293, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Sterling Heights compare to other areas?

You can compare Sterling Heights, Michigan with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Sterling Heights is in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI metro area.

Other counties in Michigan

Browse the full list of counties in Michigan, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in Michigan

Compare Sterling Heights with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources