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

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Ann Arbor is 109% more expensive than Lansing.

$1,552/mo ↑ 59%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↓ 37%
$81,089/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↓ 36%
$435,100 ↑ 264%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 73%
$1,638/mo ↑ 67%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↓ 40%
121,179
Population
112,546

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.38%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ann Arbor, MI and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 121 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $576/month cheaper in Lansing, saving renters about $6,912/year.

Median household income is $28,919/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ann Arbor is $435,100 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Michigan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ann Arbor vs Lansing — common questions

Is Ann Arbor or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ann Arbor and Lansing?
Median rent in Ann Arbor is $1,552/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $576/month.
Which city has higher income, Ann Arbor or Lansing?
Median household income is $81,089 in Ann Arbor and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $28,919/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Michigan?
Both cities are in Michigan and share the same state tax rates: 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Ann Arbor or Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with median rent of $1,552/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Ann Arbor details → View Lansing details →

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