Is Sterling Heights, MI cheaper than Joliet, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Sterling Heights, MI is 15.2% cheaper than Joliet, IL. This translates to saving $1137 per month.

What salary do I need in Sterling Heights, MI to live like I do in Joliet, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Joliet, IL, you'd need approximately $136,359.778 in Sterling Heights, MI to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Joliet, IL and Sterling Heights, MI?

Housing in Sterling Heights, MI is 47.0% cheaper than in Joliet, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,236/month in Sterling Heights, MI compared to $1,253/month in Joliet, IL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Joliet, IL to Sterling Heights, MI?

Moving from Joliet, IL to Sterling Heights, MI could save you approximately $1137 per month, or $13640 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Joliet, IL vs Sterling Heights, MI: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Joliet, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.1K/month moving to Sterling Heights, MI

$150.0K in your current city equals $136.4K in Sterling Heights, MI

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI area

Overall Cost

↓ 15.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,137

Savings

Annual Impact

$13.6K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Joliet, IL

Population:150K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$205K

Sterling Heights, MI

Population:133K

Cost Index:

(15% below avg)

Median Home:$296K

Joliet, IL

The Prairie State

150K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 150K residents.

Sterling Heights, MI

The Great Lakes State

133K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Michigan, this city has a population of 133K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Joliet, IL vs Sterling Heights, MI

Category	Joliet, IL	Sterling Heights, MI	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,558/mo	$1,356/mo	↓ $1,202less	47.0%
Groceries	$991/mo	$933/mo	↓ $57.86less	5.8%
All Utilities	$500/mo	$548/mo	↑ $48.04more	9.6%
Transportation	$1,557/mo	$1,517/mo	↓ $39.79less	2.6%
Healthcare	$573/mo	$554/mo	↓ $18.48less	3.2%
Other	$1,629/mo	$1,617/mo	↓ $12.05less	0.7%

Housing

↓ 47.0%

Joliet, IL

$2,558

Sterling Heights, MI

$1,356

Difference

$1,202

less

Groceries

↓ 5.8%

Joliet, IL

$991

Sterling Heights, MI

$933

Difference

$57.86

less

All Utilities

↑ 9.6%

Joliet, IL

$500

Sterling Heights, MI

$548

Difference

$48.04

Transportation

↓ 2.6%

Joliet, IL

$1,557

Sterling Heights, MI

$1,517

Difference

$39.79

less

Healthcare

↓ 3.2%

Joliet, IL

$573

Sterling Heights, MI

$554

Difference

$18.48

less

Other

↓ 0.7%

Joliet, IL

$1,629

Sterling Heights, MI

$1,617

Difference

$12.05

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,040

To$887

↓ $153

1 Bed

From$1,111

To$981

↓ $130

2 Bed

From$1,253

To$1,236

↓ $17.00

3 Bed

From$1,615

To$1,507

↓ $108

Joliet, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,380–$1,610/mo

Sterling Heights, MIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,090–$1,280/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,807

Monthly in Joliet, IL

$6,525

Monthly in Sterling Heights, MI

$1,282

Difference

Home Values

Joliet

Sterling Heights

$205K

Median Value

$296K

↓ -0.9%

YoY Change

↑ +3.9%

↑ +36.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +38%

$198K - $339K

Price Range

$281K - $350K

Homes in Sterling Heights are 44% more expensive than Joliet

Calculate payment - Joliet Calculate payment - Sterling Heights

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$87.50

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.7%

Rate difference

Joliet, IL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Illinois State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,797/month

$105.6K

Sterling Heights, MI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Michigan State Tax

Effective: 4.3%

$6.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.9%

$43.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,884/month

$106.6K

Additional Tax Information

Joliet, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

Sterling Heights, MI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.4%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.