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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Fresno is 17% cheaper than Ann Arbor.

$1,324/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↑ 17%
$66,804/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↑ 21%
$348,500 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$435,100 ↑ 25%
$1,391/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 18%
543,615
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $228/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $2,736/year.

Median household income is $14,285/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Fresno or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $228/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $14,285/year higher in Ann Arbor.
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 Fresno or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Ann Arbor details →

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