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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Modesto and Ann Arbor have a similar cost of living.

$1,609/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↓ 4%
$77,899/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↑ 4%
$415,600 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$435,100 ↑ 5%
$1,613/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 2%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $57/month cheaper in Ann Arbor, saving renters about $684/year.

Median household income is $3,190/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Modesto or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $57/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $3,190/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 Modesto or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Ann Arbor details →

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