Is Sterling Heights, MI cheaper than Rockford, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Sterling Heights, MI is 17.0% cheaper than Rockford, IL. This translates to saving $1278 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Rockford, IL, you'd need approximately $134,663.854 in Sterling Heights, MI to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Sterling Heights, MI is 44.0% cheaper than in Rockford, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,236/month in Sterling Heights, MI compared to $921/month in Rockford, IL.

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

Moving from Rockford, IL to Sterling Heights, MI could save you approximately $1278 per month, or $15336 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Rockford, 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 Rockford, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.3K/month moving to Sterling Heights, MI

$150.0K in your current city equals $134.7K in Sterling Heights, MI

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 17.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,278

Savings

Annual Impact

$15.3K

Per year

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

Rockford, IL

Population:146K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$158K

Sterling Heights, MI

Population:133K

Cost Index:

(17% below avg)

Median Home:$296K

Rockford, IL

The Prairie State

146K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 146K 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: Rockford, IL vs Sterling Heights, MI

Category	Rockford, IL	Sterling Heights, MI	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,419/mo	$1,356/mo	↓ $1,064less	44.0%
Healthcare	$710/mo	$554/mo	↓ $156less	22.0%
Transportation	$1,373/mo	$1,517/mo	↑ $144more	10.5%
Other	$1,748/mo	$1,617/mo	↓ $131less	7.5%
All Utilities	$502/mo	$548/mo	↑ $45.78more	9.1%
Groceries	$948/mo	$933/mo	↓ $14.64less	1.5%

Housing

↓ 44.0%

Rockford, IL

$2,419

Sterling Heights, MI

$1,356

Difference

$1,064

less

Healthcare

↓ 22.0%

Rockford, IL

$710

Sterling Heights, MI

$554

Difference

$156

less

Transportation

↑ 10.5%

Rockford, IL

$1,373

Sterling Heights, MI

$1,517

Difference

$144

Other

↓ 7.5%

Rockford, IL

$1,748

Sterling Heights, MI

$1,617

Difference

$131

less

All Utilities

↑ 9.1%

Rockford, IL

$502

Sterling Heights, MI

$548

Difference

$45.78

Groceries

↓ 1.5%

Rockford, IL

$948

Sterling Heights, MI

$933

Difference

$14.64

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$639

To$887

↑ $248

1 Bed

From$705

To$981

↑ $276

2 Bed

From$921

To$1,236

↑ $315

3 Bed

From$1,219

To$1,507

↑ $288

Rockford, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $810–$1,130/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.

$7,700

Monthly in Rockford, IL

$6,525

Monthly in Sterling Heights, MI

$1,175

Difference

Home Values

Rockford

Sterling Heights

$158K

Median Value

$296K

↑ +8.6%

YoY Change

↑ +3.9%

↑ +69.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +38%

$102K - $256K

Price Range

$281K - $350K

Homes in Sterling Heights are 87% more expensive than Rockford

Calculate payment - Rockford 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

Rockford, 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

Rockford, 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.