Performance
Score Breakdown
Sterling Heights
Flint
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Flint is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
104% higher compared to Sterling Heights.
| Metric | Sterling Heights | Flint | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $870 | $950 | -8% |
| Groceries | $400 | $0 | 0% |
| Utilities | $297 | $0 | 0% |
| Transport | $120 | $0 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $1,937 | $950 | +104% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 78 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Sterling Heights offers 114% 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 $35,000 in Flint.
| Metric | Sterling Heights | Flint |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $51,264 | $23,997 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $35,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 53,962 idx | 30,765 idx |
| Household Income | $79,909 | $37,646 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Sterling Heights | Flint |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
Flint scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Flint leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Sterling Heights | Flint |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 50.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 50.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 60.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Sterling Heights is the larger city
— approximately 1.7x the population of Flint.
From a growth perspective, Sterling Heights is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Sterling Heights has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Sterling Heights | Flint |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 133,851 | 80,175 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 41.7 | 36.9 |
| Unemployment | 5.70% | 13.10% |
| 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.
Flint
Advantages
The cost of living in Flint is significantly lower than the national average, making it highly affordable.
Housing costs, including both rent and property values, are considerably more affordable in Flint compared to many other U.S. cities.
Flint is home to important cultural institutions like the Flint Cultural Center, offering artistic and educational attractions.
The city has a strong healthcare infrastructure with three major regional hospitals providing comprehensive medical services.
Employment in Flint saw a growth rate of 2.45% from 2023 to 2024, indicating some positive job market movement.
Drawbacks
Flint has a very high crime rate, with a safety score of 18/100 and violent crime rates significantly above the national average in 2024.
The unemployment rate in Flint was 13.1% in 2026, which is considerably higher than the national average.
A substantial portion of Flint's population, 34.1% in 2024, lives below the poverty line.
Concerns about water quality persist among residents, as highlighted in 2024 community surveys.
The city has experienced a long-term population decline, with the metropolitan area decreasing by 5.3% between 2010 and 2024.
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
Flint
#18Michigan, USA
74.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$23,997
Cost Index
78
Commute
23 min
Transit Score
50.0/10
Walkability
50.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
13.10%
Livability
74
Business
0
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