Performance
Score Breakdown
Sterling Heights
Toledo
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Sterling Heights is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
2% lower compared to Toledo.
| Metric | Sterling Heights | Toledo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $870 | $950 | -8% |
| Groceries | $400 | $342 | +17% |
| Utilities | $297 | $295 | +1% |
| Transport | $120 | $180 | -33% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $200 | +25% |
| Monthly Total | $1,937 | $1,967 | -2% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 95 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Toledo offers 28% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Toledo 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 $52,000 in Toledo.
| Metric | Sterling Heights | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $51,264 | $71,000 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 53,962 idx | 74,737 idx |
| Household Income | $79,909 | $49,724 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Sterling Heights | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 64.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Toledo has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Sterling Heights.
Toledo scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Toledo leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Sterling Heights | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 46.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 60.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Toledo 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, Toledo has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Sterling Heights | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 133,851 | 267,463 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 41.7 | 35.8 |
| Unemployment | 5.70% | 4.40% |
| 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.
Toledo
Advantages
Toledo offers a significantly affordable cost of living, approximately 5% lower than the national average.
The city boasts a thriving arts and cultural scene, highlighted by the world-class Toledo Museum of Art.
Residents have excellent access to nature and outdoor recreation through the extensive Metroparks system, the Maumee River, and Lake Erie.
Toledo has seen significant economic development and business investment, ranking among the top 10 nationally in 2024.
The average commute time in Toledo is relatively short at 19.8 minutes, easing daily travel for residents.
Drawbacks
Toledo has a high violent crime rate, which is significantly above the national average.
The city experiences harsh winters with cold temperatures and notable snowfall.
Toledo's infrastructure, particularly its roads, is often cited as being in poor condition.
Job opportunities in some high-growth sectors may be limited compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Public transportation options in Toledo are considered limited, leading to high car dependency for most errands.
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
Toledo
#69Ohio, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$71,000
Cost Index
95
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
46.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.40%
Livability
68
Business
75
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