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

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Ann Arbor is 5% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,552/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 18%
$81,089/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 19%
$435,100 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$405,600 ↓ 7%
$1,638/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 10%
121,179
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ann Arbor, MI and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 121 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $273/month cheaper in Ann Arbor, saving renters about $3,276/year.

Median household income is $15,168/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ann Arbor is $435,100 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ann Arbor vs Richardson — common questions

Is Ann Arbor or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ann Arbor is cheaper to live in with an index of 121 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ann Arbor and Richardson?
Median rent in Ann Arbor is $1,552/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $273/month.
Which city has higher income, Ann Arbor or Richardson?
Median household income is $81,089 in Ann Arbor and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $15,168/year higher in Richardson.
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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with median rent of $1,552/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Ann Arbor details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

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Ann Arbor vs. Lafayette Ann Arbor vs. Berkeley Ann Arbor vs. Rochester Ann Arbor vs. Fairfield Ann Arbor vs. Independence Ann Arbor vs. Hartford Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater