Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Boston is 45% more expensive than Ann Arbor.

$2,093/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↓ 26%
$94,755/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↓ 14%
$710,400 ↑ 63%
Home Value
$435,100 ↓ 39%
$2,176/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↓ 25%
663,972
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $541/month cheaper in Ann Arbor, saving renters about $6,492/year.

Median household income is $13,666/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Boston or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ann Arbor is cheaper to live in with an index of 121 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $541/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $13,666/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Michigan?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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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