City Comparison
Canton vs Sterling Heights
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
Michigan, USA
View Canton profile
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VS
Sterling Heights scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Canton
Sterling Heights
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
| Metric | Canton | Sterling Heights | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $0 | $870 | -100% |
| Groceries | $0 | $400 | -100% |
| Utilities | $0 | $297 | -100% |
| Transport | $0 | $120 | -100% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $250 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $0 | $1,937 | -100% |
| Cost Index | 95 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Sterling Heights offers 100% lower average salaries.
| Metric | Canton | Sterling Heights |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $0 | $51,264 |
| Salary Needed | $0 | $45,000 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Canton | Sterling Heights |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | % | 64.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Canton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
12,500 minutes (208 hours) per year compared to Sterling Heights.
Sterling Heights scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
| Metric | Canton | Sterling Heights |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | min | 25 min |
| Transit Score | — | 30.0/100 |
| Walkability | — | — |
| Traffic Index | 60.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Sterling Heights is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Canton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Canton has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Canton | Sterling Heights |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 0 | 133,851 |
| Pop. Growth | — | — |
| Median Age | 41.7 | |
| Unemployment | % | 5.70% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Canton
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.
Canton
Michigan, USA
0.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$0
Avg Salary
$0
Cost Index
Commute
min
Transit Score
—
Walkability
—
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
%
Livability
0
Business
0
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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