Is Sterling Heights, MI cheaper than Olathe, KS?

Based on cost of living data, Sterling Heights, MI is 2.9% cheaper than Olathe, KS. This translates to saving $221 per month.

What salary do I need in Sterling Heights, MI to live like I do in Olathe, KS?

If you earn $150,000 in Olathe, KS, you'd need approximately $147,351.337 in Sterling Heights, MI to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Olathe, KS and Sterling Heights, MI?

Housing in Sterling Heights, MI is 26.5% cheaper than in Olathe, KS. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,236/month in Sterling Heights, MI compared to $1,175/month in Olathe, KS.

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

Moving from Olathe, KS to Sterling Heights, MI could save you approximately $221 per month, or $2649 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Olathe, KS vs Sterling Heights, MI: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Olathe, KS

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $221/month moving to Sterling Heights, MI

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.4K in Sterling Heights, MI

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Kansas City, MO-KS area

Overall Cost

↓ 2.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$221

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.6K

Per year

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

Olathe, KS

Population:147K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$422K

Sterling Heights, MI

Population:133K

Cost Index:

(3% below avg)

Median Home:$296K

Olathe, KS

The Sunflower State

147K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Kansas, this city has a population of 147K 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: Olathe, KS vs Sterling Heights, MI

Category	Olathe, KS	Sterling Heights, MI	Difference	Change
Housing	$1,844/mo	$1,356/mo	↓ $488less	26.5%
Transportation	$1,183/mo	$1,517/mo	↑ $334more	28.3%
Other	$1,564/mo	$1,617/mo	↑ $53.15more	3.4%
Healthcare	$599/mo	$554/mo	↓ $44.84less	7.5%
All Utilities	$528/mo	$548/mo	↑ $19.53more	3.7%
Groceries	$936/mo	$933/mo	↓ $3.46less	0.4%

Housing

↓ 26.5%

Olathe, KS

$1,844

Sterling Heights, MI

$1,356

Difference

$488

less

Transportation

↑ 28.3%

Olathe, KS

$1,183

Sterling Heights, MI

$1,517

Difference

$334

Other

↑ 3.4%

Olathe, KS

$1,564

Sterling Heights, MI

$1,617

Difference

$53.15

Healthcare

↓ 7.5%

Olathe, KS

$599

Sterling Heights, MI

$554

Difference

$44.84

less

All Utilities

↑ 3.7%

Olathe, KS

$528

Sterling Heights, MI

$548

Difference

$19.53

Groceries

↓ 0.4%

Olathe, KS

$936

Sterling Heights, MI

$933

Difference

$3.46

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$947

To$887

↓ $60.00

1 Bed

From$1,038

To$981

↓ $57.00

2 Bed

From$1,175

To$1,236

↑ $61.00

3 Bed

From$1,530

To$1,507

↓ $23.00

Olathe, KSZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,130–$1,380/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.

$6,654

Monthly in Olathe, KS

$6,525

Monthly in Sterling Heights, MI

$129

Difference

Home Values

Olathe

Sterling Heights

$422K

Median Value

$296K

↑ +3.4%

YoY Change

↑ +3.9%

↑ +35.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +38%

$420K - $425K

Price Range

$281K - $350K

Homes in Sterling Heights are 30% less expensive than Olathe

Calculate payment - Olathe Calculate payment - Sterling Heights

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$170

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.4%

Rate difference

Olathe, KS

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Kansas State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,714/month

$104.6K

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

Olathe, KS Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.7%

Property Tax:1.3%

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.

Environment

Olathe

Sterling Heights

46 Good

Air Quality

55 Moderate

59.3%

Good Air Days

32.8%

97 High

Climate Risk

99 High

🌊🌡🌪

Top Hazards

🌊🌡🌪

▲+3.3°F

2050 Outlook

▲+3.1°F

44 days

Heat Days >95°F

10 days

▲+3.3°F

2050 Outlook

▲+3.1°F

44 days

Heat Days >95°F

10 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Kansas and Michigan on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Olathe, KS on a $150.0K salary

Similar cost to Sterling Heights, MI

Other cities in a similar price range

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Want to compare different cities?

New Comparison

You'd save $221/month moving to Sterling Heights, MI

Olathe, KS

Sterling Heights, MI

Olathe, KS

Sterling Heights, MI

Cost Breakdown by Category

🏠Rent Comparison

📍 Rent by ZIP Code2 ZIPs

📍 Rent by ZIP Code4 ZIPs

Home Values

🏠 Home Values by ZIP2 ZIPs

🏠 Home Values by ZIP4 ZIPs

Tax Comparison

Olathe, KS

Sterling Heights, MI

Additional Tax Information

Olathe, KS Tax Rates

Sterling Heights, MI Tax Rates

Environment

Where your money goes further

Similar cost to Sterling Heights, MI