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

Denton

Texas
100
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Denton is 17% cheaper than Ann Arbor.

$1,344/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↑ 15%
$73,719/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↑ 10%
$325,700 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$435,100 ↑ 34%
$1,461/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 12%
146,987
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denton, TX and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $208/month cheaper in Denton, saving renters about $2,496/year.

Median household income is $7,370/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denton is $325,700 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denton vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Denton or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denton is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denton and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Denton is $1,344/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $208/month.
Which city has higher income, Denton or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $73,719 in Denton and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $7,370/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 Denton or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Denton has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,344/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.
View Denton details → View Ann Arbor details →

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