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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Ontario is 26% more expensive than Ann Arbor.

$1,916/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↓ 19%
$82,806/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↓ 2%
$568,000 ↑ 31%
Home Value
$435,100 ↓ 23%
$1,967/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↓ 17%
178,347
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

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $364/month cheaper in Ann Arbor, saving renters about $4,368/year.

Median household income is $1,717/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Ontario 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 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $364/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $1,717/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Ann Arbor details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Ann Arbor

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa Ann Arbor vs. Lafayette Ann Arbor vs. Berkeley Ann Arbor vs. Rochester Ann Arbor vs. Fairfield Ann Arbor vs. Independence Ann Arbor vs. Hartford