City Comparison
Southfield vs Sterling Heights
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Sterling Heights scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Southfield
Sterling Heights
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Sterling Heights is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
19% lower than in Southfield.
Housing costs are a major driver: Southfield's average rent is
67% higher than Sterling Heights's.
| Metric | Southfield | Sterling Heights | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,450 | $870 | +67% |
| Groceries | $410 | $400 | +3% |
| Utilities | $175 | $297 | -41% |
| Transport | $130 | $120 | +8% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $250 | -4% |
| Monthly Total | $2,405 | $1,937 | +24% |
| Cost Index | 96 | 95 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Southfield offers 33% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Southfield delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Southfield is estimated at
$52,000 vs $45,000 in Sterling Heights.
| Metric | Southfield | Sterling Heights |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $68,000 | $51,264 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 70,833 idx | 53,962 idx |
| Household Income | $74,000 | $79,909 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Southfield runs warmer on average — a 49.8°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Southfield comes out ahead with 246 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Southfield sees 36.8 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Southfield | Sterling Heights |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 49.80°F | °F |
| Summer High | 82.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 17.40°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 32.40 in | in |
| Snowfall | 36.80 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 246 | |
| Humidity | 66.00% | 64.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Southfield scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Southfield leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Southfield | Sterling Heights |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 26 min | 25 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Walkability | 45.0/100 | — |
| Traffic Index | 48.00 | 60.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Sterling Heights is the larger city
— approximately 0.6x the population of Southfield.
From a growth perspective, Southfield is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Southfield has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Southfield | Sterling Heights |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 76,500 | 133,851 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | — |
| Median Age | 42.0 | 41.7 |
| Unemployment | 4.30% | 5.70% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Southfield
Advantages
Strategic location in Oakland County with direct access to major freeways like I-696 and US-10
Robust commercial hub hosting numerous corporate headquarters and professional service firms
Diverse and welcoming community with strong cultural representation and active local engagement
Excellent healthcare infrastructure anchored by Ascension Providence Hospital
More affordable housing options compared to neighboring affluent Oakland County communities
Drawbacks
High car dependency with limited walkability and transit scores outside central corridors
Property tax rates can be relatively high compared to some surrounding townships
Traffic congestion along major commuter arteries during peak rush hours
Varying crime rates and safety profiles depending on the specific neighborhood
Older housing stock in some areas may require significant maintenance or updates
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.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Southfield
#282Michigan, USA
61.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$68,000
Cost Index
96
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
45.0/100
Sunny Days
246/yr
Avg Temp
49.80°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
73
Business
70
Sterling Heights
#126Michigan, USA
66.1 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$870
Avg Salary
$51,264
Cost Index
95
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
30.0/100
Walkability
—
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
5.70%
Livability
80
Business
70
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