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

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Ann Arbor is 12% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,552/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 19%
$81,089/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 4%
$435,100 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 10%
$1,638/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 9%
121,179
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ann Arbor, MI and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 121 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $290/month cheaper in Ann Arbor, saving renters about $3,480/year.

Median household income is $3,528/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ann Arbor is $435,100 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ann Arbor vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Ann Arbor or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ann Arbor is cheaper to live in with an index of 121 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ann Arbor and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Ann Arbor is $1,552/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $290/month.
Which city has higher income, Ann Arbor or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $81,089 in Ann Arbor and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $3,528/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with median rent of $1,552/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Ann Arbor details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

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