Performance
Score Breakdown
Sterling Heights
St. Louis
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Sterling Heights is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
19% lower compared to St. Louis.
Housing costs are a major driver: Sterling Heights's average rent is
40% lower than St. Louis's.
| Metric | Sterling Heights | St. Louis | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $870 | $1,439 | -40% |
| Groceries | $400 | $385 | +4% |
| Utilities | $297 | $195 | +52% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $250 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $1,937 | $2,389 | -19% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 89 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Sterling Heights offers 14% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Sterling Heights 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 $55,000 in St. Louis.
| Metric | Sterling Heights | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $51,264 | $45,000 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 53,962 idx | 50,562 idx |
| Household Income | $79,909 | $56,160 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Sterling Heights | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 64.00% | 69.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Sterling Heights has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to St. Louis.
St. Louis scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, St. Louis leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Sterling Heights | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 28 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 60.00 | 25.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
St. Louis is the larger city
— approximately 0.5x 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, St. Louis has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Sterling Heights | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 133,851 | 273,179 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 41.7 | 36.8 |
| Unemployment | 5.70% | 4.00% |
| 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.
St. Louis
Advantages
The average rent in St. Louis is significantly lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to live.
Housing costs, including median home prices, are considerably below the national average.
St. Louis offers numerous free cultural attractions, such as the Saint Louis Zoo, Art Museum, and Gateway Arch grounds.
The city has a strong presence of major academic health systems and a well-established medical corridor, contributing to quality healthcare.
Investments are being made in improving bike infrastructure, including new protected bike lanes and greenways.
Drawbacks
St. Louis city has experienced a declining population, with an estimated annual decrease of -1.79% in 2026.
The city has a high crime rate, particularly violent crime, which is significantly above the national average.
Summers in St. Louis are characterized by intense heat and high humidity.
A high percentage of city residents (21.7%) live below the poverty line, indicating significant economic disparities.
St. Louis exhibits high car dependency, with nearly 90% of commuters using a car for work or school.
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
St. Louis
#94Missouri, USA
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,439
Avg Salary
$45,000
Cost Index
89
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
55.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.00%
Livability
60
Business
68
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