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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Los Angeles is 55% more expensive than Ann Arbor.

$1,879/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↓ 17%
$80,366/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$81,089/yr ≈ Same
$879,500 ↑ 102%
Home Value
$435,100 ↓ 51%
$2,055/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↓ 20%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $327/month cheaper in Ann Arbor, saving renters about $3,924/year.

Median household income is $723/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Los Angeles 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 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $327/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $723/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 Los Angeles or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Ann Arbor details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Los Angeles and Ann Arbor

Los Angeles vs. New York Los Angeles vs. Chicago Los Angeles vs. Allen Los Angeles vs. Houston Los Angeles vs. Tuscaloosa Los Angeles vs. Phoenix Ann Arbor vs. Lafayette Ann Arbor vs. Berkeley Ann Arbor vs. Rochester Ann Arbor vs. Fairfield Ann Arbor vs. Independence Ann Arbor vs. Hartford