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

Orange

California
206
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Orange is 70% more expensive than Ann Arbor.

$2,252/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↓ 31%
$116,945/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↓ 31%
$900,700 ↑ 107%
Home Value
$435,100 ↓ 52%
$2,394/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↓ 32%
138,723
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

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orange, CA and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 206 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $700/month cheaper in Ann Arbor, saving renters about $8,400/year.

Median household income is $35,856/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orange is $900,700 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Orange vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Orange 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 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orange and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Orange is $2,252/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $700/month.
Which city has higher income, Orange or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $116,945 in Orange and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $35,856/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Orange has a cost index of 206 with median rent of $2,252/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 Orange details → View Ann Arbor details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Orange and Ann Arbor

Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City Ann Arbor vs. Lafayette Ann Arbor vs. Berkeley Ann Arbor vs. Rochester Ann Arbor vs. Fairfield Ann Arbor vs. Independence Ann Arbor vs. Hartford