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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

๐Ÿ“ Sterling Heights, MI โ€” ZIP-level rent data ยท COL adjusted from Detroit, MI area

$

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.6K/month more in Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $169.1K in Nashville, TN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates ยท COL index from Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI area
Overall Cost
โ†‘ 21.2%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,588
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$19.1K
Per year

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

Sterling Heights, MI

Population:133K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$296K

Nashville, TN

Population:689K
Cost Index:121
Median Home:$489K

Sterling Heights, MI

The Great Lakes State

133K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

Nashville, TN

The Volunteer State

689K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • โ€ขMusic City USA
  • โ€ขCountry music capital
  • โ€ขHealthcare industry hub

Major Industries

Music IndustryHealthcareTourismFinance

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Sterling Heights, MI vs Nashville, TN

๐Ÿ Housing
โ†‘ 95.5%
Sterling Heights, MI
$1,356
Nashville, TN
$2,651
Difference
$1,295
more
๐Ÿ“ฆOther
โ†‘ 20.1%
Sterling Heights, MI
$1,617
Nashville, TN
$1,942
Difference
$325
more
๐Ÿš—Transportation
โ†“ 15.4%
Sterling Heights, MI
$1,517
Nashville, TN
$1,284
Difference
$233
less
๐ŸฅHealthcare
โ†‘ 9.6%
Sterling Heights, MI
$554
Nashville, TN
$607
Difference
$53.05
more
โšกAll Utilities
โ†“ 5.2%
Sterling Heights, MI
$548
Nashville, TN
$519
Difference
$28.68
less
๐Ÿ›’Groceries
โ†‘ 1.7%
Sterling Heights, MI
$933
Nashville, TN
$949
Difference
$16.30
more

๐Ÿ Rent Comparison

Studio
From$887
To$1,600
โ†‘ $713
1 Bed
From$981
To$1,680
โ†‘ $699
2 Bed
From$1,236
To$1,840
โ†‘ $604
3 Bed
From$1,507
To$2,350
โ†‘ $843
Sterling Heights, MIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,090โ€“$1,280/mo

Nashville, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320โ€“$2,230/mo

๐Ÿ’ก 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.

$6,525
Monthly in Sterling Heights, MI
$7,952
Monthly in Nashville, TN
$1,427
Difference

Home Values

Sterling Heights
Nashville
$296K
Median Value
$489K
โ†‘ +3.9%
YoY Change
โ†“ -2.1%
โ†‘ +38%
5-Year Change
โ†‘ +32.1%
$281K - $350K
Price Range
$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 65% more expensive than Sterling Heights

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
โ†‘ $6.4K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$531
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
4.2%
Rate difference

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

Nashville, TN

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Tennessee State Tax
No state income tax
$0
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 24.7%
$37.0K
Take-Home Pay
$9,416/month
$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Sterling Heights, MI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%
Property Tax:1.4%

Nashville, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%
Property Tax:0.7%

๐Ÿ’ก 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

Sterling Heights
Nashville
55 Moderate
Air Quality
50 Good
32.8%
Good Air Days
51.6%
99 High
Climate Risk
97 High
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒก๐ŸŒช
Top Hazards
๐ŸŒŠ๐Ÿซจ๐ŸŒช
โ–ฒ+3.1ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+2.8ยฐF
10 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
42 days
โ–ฒ+3.1ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+2.8ยฐF
10 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
42 days

๐Ÿ’ฐ See how taxes change too โ€” compare take-home pay between Michigan and Tennessee on TaxTakeHome.com

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