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

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Arlington is 21% cheaper than Ann Arbor.

$1,389/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↑ 12%
$73,519/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↑ 10%
$276,400 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$435,100 ↑ 57%
$1,420/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 15%
394,769
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $163/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $1,956/year.

Median household income is $7,570/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Arlington or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $163/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $7,570/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Michigan?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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