Cost of Living: Fremont, CA vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Fremont

California
278
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Fremont is 130% more expensive than Ann Arbor.

$2,905/mo ↑ 87%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↓ 47%
$176,350/yr ↑ 117%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↓ 54%
$1,289,400 ↑ 196%
Home Value
$435,100 ↓ 66%
$3,000/mo ↑ 83%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↓ 45%
228,518
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,353/month cheaper in Ann Arbor, saving renters about $16,236/year.

Median household income is $95,261/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fremont vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Fremont 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 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $1,353/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $95,261/year higher in Fremont.
How do taxes compare between California and Michigan?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Fremont or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/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 Fremont details → View Ann Arbor details →

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