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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Long Beach is 40% more expensive than Ann Arbor.

$1,803/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↓ 14%
$83,969/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↓ 3%
$762,200 ↑ 75%
Home Value
$435,100 ↓ 43%
$1,890/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↓ 13%
458,491
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

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $251/month cheaper in Ann Arbor, saving renters about $3,012/year.

Median household income is $2,880/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Long Beach 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 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $251/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $2,880/year higher in Long Beach.
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 Long Beach or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View Ann Arbor details →

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