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

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Ann Arbor is 19% more expensive than Provo.

$1,552/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↓ 26%
$81,089/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↓ 23%
$435,100 ≈ Same
Home Value
$437,100 ≈ Same
$1,638/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↓ 26%
121,179
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.65%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ann Arbor, MI and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 121 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $400/month cheaper in Provo, saving renters about $4,800/year.

Median household income is $18,289/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ann Arbor is $435,100 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ann Arbor vs Provo — common questions

Is Ann Arbor or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Provo is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ann Arbor and Provo?
Median rent in Ann Arbor is $1,552/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $400/month.
Which city has higher income, Ann Arbor or Provo?
Median household income is $81,089 in Ann Arbor and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $18,289/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Utah?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Ann Arbor or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with median rent of $1,552/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Ann Arbor details → View Provo details →

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