Performance
Score Breakdown
Sterling Heights
Akron
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Sterling Heights is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
25% lower compared to Akron.
Housing costs are a major driver: Sterling Heights's average rent is
23% lower than Akron's.
| Metric | Sterling Heights | Akron | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $870 | $1,123 | -23% |
| Groceries | $400 | $742 | -46% |
| Utilities | $297 | $234 | +27% |
| Transport | $120 | $357 | -66% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $130 | +92% |
| Monthly Total | $1,937 | $2,586 | -25% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 85 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Akron offers 30% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Akron delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Sterling Heights is estimated at
$45,000 vs $66,000 in Akron.
| Metric | Sterling Heights | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $51,264 | $73,000 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $66,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 53,962 idx | 85,882 idx |
| Household Income | $79,909 | $48,076 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Sterling Heights | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 64.00% | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Akron has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Sterling Heights.
Sterling Heights scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Akron leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Sterling Heights | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 48.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 60.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Akron is the larger city
— approximately 0.7x the population of Sterling Heights.
From a growth perspective, Sterling Heights is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Akron has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Sterling Heights | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 133,851 | 189,664 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 41.7 | 36.9 |
| Unemployment | 5.70% | 3.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Sterling Heights
Advantages
Sterling Heights has been ranked the #1 Best City in Michigan for First-Time Home Buyers in 2025 by WalletHub.
The city has consistently been named the safest big city in Michigan for six consecutive years, based on FBI crime reports from 2024.
The overall cost of living in Sterling Heights is 5% lower than the national average, with housing expenses being 28% lower.
Sterling Heights offers a diverse community with a welcoming atmosphere and numerous community events and recreational opportunities.
The average commute time of 24.7 minutes is shorter than the national average, and the city provides strong highway access.
Drawbacks
Public transportation options in Sterling Heights are limited, contributing to a high car dependency.
The city has a low walkability score, meaning most amenities require driving.
Healthcare costs in Sterling Heights are estimated to be 11% higher than the national average.
Some residents express frustration with traffic and congestion, particularly on major roads.
There is a perceived lack of unique retail and nightlife options, with a desire for more pedestrian-friendly areas.
Akron
Advantages
The overall cost of living in Akron is 15% lower than the national average, making it a highly affordable city.
Housing costs are significantly lower than the national average, with average monthly rent at $1,123 and median home prices around $153,000.
Akron has a diverse economy with strong industries including healthcare, manufacturing, and the polymer sector.
The city offers a public transportation system (METRO RTA) with affordable monthly passes at $50.
Healthcare costs in Akron are approximately 14% lower than the national average.
Drawbacks
Akron has a high crime rate, with an overall crime rate 50% above the national average and a safety grade of C-.
The city is experiencing a projected population decline of -0.9% annually.
Akron has a negative job growth rate, with a 0.461% decline in employed population in 2024.
The lifestyle in Akron is largely car-dependent, with most errands requiring a vehicle and an average Walk Score of 48.
The median household income of $48,076 in 2024 is below the national average.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Sterling Heights
#5Michigan, USA
78.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$870
Avg Salary
$51,264
Cost Index
95
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
5.70%
Livability
80
Business
70
Akron
#102Ohio, USA
60.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,123
Avg Salary
$73,000
Cost Index
85
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
48.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
65
Business
55
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