Cost of Living: Ann Arbor, MI vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Ann Arbor and West Palm Beach have a similar cost of living.

$1,552/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 10%
$81,089/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↓ 15%
$435,100 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$369,800 ↓ 15%
$1,638/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 2%
121,179
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ann Arbor, MI and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 121 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $157/month cheaper in Ann Arbor, saving renters about $1,884/year.

Median household income is $11,828/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ann Arbor is $435,100 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ann Arbor vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Ann Arbor or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, West Palm Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ann Arbor and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Ann Arbor is $1,552/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $157/month.
Which city has higher income, Ann Arbor or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $81,089 in Ann Arbor and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $11,828/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Florida?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Ann Arbor or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with median rent of $1,552/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Ann Arbor details → View West Palm Beach details →

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