Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
31% cheaper
Ann Arbor is 31% more affordable than Los Angeles. A $75,000 salary in Los Angeles is equivalent to $51,506 in Ann Arbor.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Michigan salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Ann Arbor has a housing index of 135 while Los Angeles sits at 262 (national average = 100). The median home in Ann Arbor costs $400,000 compared to $850,000 in Los Angeles, a difference of $450,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Ann Arbor versus $2,700 in Los Angeles.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Ann Arbor scores 101 while Los Angeles scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Ann Arbor (101) are lower than Los Angeles (103). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Ann Arbor is $65,024 compared to $65,290 in Los Angeles. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Ann Arbor.
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