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

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121
VS

Ventura

California
183

Ann Arbor is 34% cheaper than Ventura.

$1,552/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 35%
$81,089/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 24%
$435,100 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 79%
$1,638/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↑ 29%
121,179
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ann Arbor, MI and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 121 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $549/month cheaper in Ann Arbor, saving renters about $6,588/year.

Median household income is $19,318/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ann Arbor is $435,100 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ann Arbor vs Ventura — common questions

Is Ann Arbor or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ann Arbor is cheaper to live in with an index of 121 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ann Arbor and Ventura?
Median rent in Ann Arbor is $1,552/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $549/month.
Which city has higher income, Ann Arbor or Ventura?
Median household income is $81,089 in Ann Arbor and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $19,318/year higher in Ventura.
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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with median rent of $1,552/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Ann Arbor details → View Ventura details →

More Comparisons

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