Dearborn Heights, MI vs Sterling Heights, MI

Dearborn Heights is moderately more affordable than Sterling Heights, with a 7.7% lower cost of living index. Dearborn Heights scores 87 compared to 94 for Sterling Heights, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Sterling Heights can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Dearborn Heights is $1,260/month compared to $1,267/month in Sterling Heights — a 1% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Dearborn Heights is more affordable at $174,900 median vs $260,700.

Median household income in Dearborn Heights is $61,035 compared to $78,429 in Sterling Heights (-22.2%). While Sterling Heights is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Dearborn Heights spend roughly 24.8% of their income on rent, more than the 19.4% in Sterling Heights.