Is Sterling Heights, MI cheaper than Naperville, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Sterling Heights, MI is 16.0% cheaper than Naperville, IL. This translates to saving $1203 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Naperville, IL, you'd need approximately $135,560.382 in Sterling Heights, MI to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Sterling Heights, MI is 47.6% cheaper than in Naperville, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,236/month in Sterling Heights, MI compared to $1,899/month in Naperville, IL.

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

Moving from Naperville, IL to Sterling Heights, MI could save you approximately $1203 per month, or $14440 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Naperville, 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 Naperville, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.2K/month moving to Sterling Heights, MI

$150.0K in your current city equals $135.6K in Sterling Heights, MI

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

Overall Cost

↓ 16.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,203

Savings

Annual Impact

$14.4K

Per year

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

Naperville, IL

Population:150K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$593K

Sterling Heights, MI

Population:133K

Cost Index:

(16% below avg)

Median Home:$296K

Naperville, 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: Naperville, IL vs Sterling Heights, MI

Category	Naperville, IL	Sterling Heights, MI	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,585/mo	$1,356/mo	↓ $1,229less	47.6%
Groceries	$996/mo	$933/mo	↓ $63.09less	6.3%
Transportation	$1,574/mo	$1,517/mo	↓ $56.27less	3.6%
All Utilities	$502/mo	$548/mo	↑ $45.40more	9.0%
Other	$1,646/mo	$1,617/mo	↓ $29.28less	1.8%
Healthcare	$576/mo	$554/mo	↓ $21.50less	3.7%

Housing

↓ 47.6%

Naperville, IL

$2,585

Sterling Heights, MI

$1,356

Difference

$1,229

less

Groceries

↓ 6.3%

Naperville, IL

$996

Sterling Heights, MI

$933

Difference

$63.09

less

Transportation

↓ 3.6%

Naperville, IL

$1,574

Sterling Heights, MI

$1,517

Difference

$56.27

less

All Utilities

↑ 9.0%

Naperville, IL

$502

Sterling Heights, MI

$548

Difference

$45.40

Other

↓ 1.8%

Naperville, IL

$1,646

Sterling Heights, MI

$1,617

Difference

$29.28

less

Healthcare

↓ 3.7%

Naperville, IL

$576

Sterling Heights, MI

$554

Difference

$21.50

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,576

To$887

↓ $689

1 Bed

From$1,684

To$981

↓ $703

2 Bed

From$1,899

To$1,236

↓ $663

3 Bed

From$2,444

To$1,507

↓ $937

Naperville, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,010–$2,370/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.

$7,879

Monthly in Naperville, IL

$6,525

Monthly in Sterling Heights, MI

$1,354

Difference

Home Values

Naperville

Sterling Heights

$593K

Median Value

$296K

↑ +4.6%

YoY Change

↑ +3.9%

↑ +43.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +38%

$443K - $665K

Price Range

$281K - $350K

Homes in Sterling Heights are 50% less expensive than Naperville

Calculate payment - Naperville 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

Naperville, 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

Naperville, 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.