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

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121
VS

Downey

California
169

Ann Arbor is 28% cheaper than Downey.

$1,552/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 22%
$81,089/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 8%
$435,100 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 67%
$1,638/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 22%
121,179
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ann Arbor, MI and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 121 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $340/month cheaper in Ann Arbor, saving renters about $4,080/year.

Median household income is $6,311/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ann Arbor is $435,100 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ann Arbor vs Downey — common questions

Is Ann Arbor or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ann Arbor is cheaper to live in with an index of 121 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ann Arbor and Downey?
Median rent in Ann Arbor is $1,552/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $340/month.
Which city has higher income, Ann Arbor or Downey?
Median household income is $81,089 in Ann Arbor and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $6,311/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with median rent of $1,552/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Ann Arbor details → View Downey details →

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