Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Houston is 16% more affordable than Ann Arbor. A $75,000 salary in Ann Arbor is equivalent to $63,158 in Houston.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Michigan salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Ann Arbor has a housing index of 135 while Houston sits at 89 (national average = 100). The median home in Ann Arbor costs $400,000 compared to $250,000 in Houston, a difference of $150,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Ann Arbor versus $1,400 in Houston.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Ann Arbor scores 101 while Houston scores 94.
Healthcare costs in Ann Arbor (101) are higher than Houston (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Ann Arbor is $65,024 compared to $52,338 in Houston. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Houston.
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