Cost of Living: Anaheim, CA vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Anaheim is 61% more expensive than Ann Arbor.

$2,082/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↓ 25%
$90,583/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↓ 10%
$771,700 ↑ 77%
Home Value
$435,100 ↓ 44%
$2,165/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↓ 24%
344,553
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $530/month cheaper in Ann Arbor, saving renters about $6,360/year.

Median household income is $9,494/year higher in Anaheim. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Ann Arbor slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Anaheim or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ann Arbor is cheaper to live in with an index of 121 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $530/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $9,494/year higher in Anaheim.
How do taxes compare between California and Michigan?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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