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

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Ann Arbor is 47% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,552/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 54%
$81,089/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 36%
$435,100 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 142%
$1,638/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 50%
121,179
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ann Arbor, MI and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 121 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $843/month cheaper in Ann Arbor, saving renters about $10,116/year.

Median household income is $28,984/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ann Arbor is $435,100 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ann Arbor vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Ann Arbor or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ann Arbor is cheaper to live in with an index of 121 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ann Arbor and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Ann Arbor is $1,552/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $843/month.
Which city has higher income, Ann Arbor or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $81,089 in Ann Arbor and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $28,984/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and California?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Ann Arbor or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with median rent of $1,552/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Ann Arbor details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ann Arbor and Costa Mesa

Ann Arbor vs. Lafayette Ann Arbor vs. Berkeley Ann Arbor vs. Rochester Ann Arbor vs. Fairfield Ann Arbor vs. Independence Ann Arbor vs. Hartford Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria