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

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Ann Arbor is 46% more expensive than Odessa.

$1,552/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↓ 15%
$81,089/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↓ 10%
$435,100 ↑ 109%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 52%
$1,638/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 24%
121,179
Population
114,080

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.38%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ann Arbor, MI and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 121 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $230/month cheaper in Odessa, saving renters about $2,760/year.

Median household income is $8,059/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ann Arbor is $435,100 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Odessa residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ann Arbor vs Odessa — common questions

Is Ann Arbor or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ann Arbor and Odessa?
Median rent in Ann Arbor is $1,552/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $230/month.
Which city has higher income, Ann Arbor or Odessa?
Median household income is $81,089 in Ann Arbor and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $8,059/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Texas?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Ann Arbor or Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with median rent of $1,552/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Ann Arbor details → View Odessa details →

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