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

College Station

Texas
91
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

College Station is 30% cheaper than Ann Arbor.

$1,168/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↑ 33%
$51,776/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↑ 57%
$326,500 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$435,100 ↑ 33%
$1,251/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 31%
122,280
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

27.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing College Station, TX and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $384/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $4,608/year.

Median household income is $29,313/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in College Station is $326,500 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

College Station vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is College Station or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between College Station and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in College Station is $1,168/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $384/month.
Which city has higher income, College Station or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $51,776 in College Station and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $29,313/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 College Station or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. College Station has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,168/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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