Cost of Living: Ann Arbor, MI vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Ann Arbor is 49% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,552/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 77%
$81,089/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 56%
$435,100 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 139%
$1,638/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 61%
121,179
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.38%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ann Arbor, MI and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 121 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,190/month cheaper in Ann Arbor, saving renters about $14,280/year.

Median household income is $45,380/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ann Arbor is $435,100 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ann Arbor vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Ann Arbor or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ann Arbor is cheaper to live in with an index of 121 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ann Arbor and Cambridge?
Median rent in Ann Arbor is $1,552/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,190/month.
Which city has higher income, Ann Arbor or Cambridge?
Median household income is $81,089 in Ann Arbor and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $45,380/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Massachusetts?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Ann Arbor or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with median rent of $1,552/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Ann Arbor details → View Cambridge details →

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