Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Denver is 21% more expensive than Ann Arbor.

$1,770/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↓ 12%
$91,681/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↓ 12%
$586,700 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$435,100 ↓ 26%
$1,839/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↓ 11%
713,734
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.25%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $218/month cheaper in Ann Arbor, saving renters about $2,616/year.

Median household income is $10,592/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Denver 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 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $218/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $10,592/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Michigan?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Ann Arbor details →

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