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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Pasadena is 82% more expensive than Ann Arbor.

$2,218/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↓ 30%
$103,778/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↓ 22%
$1,045,000 ↑ 140%
Home Value
$435,100 ↓ 58%
$2,340/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↓ 30%
136,462
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $666/month cheaper in Ann Arbor, saving renters about $7,992/year.

Median household income is $22,689/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Pasadena 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 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $666/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $22,689/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/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 Pasadena details → View Ann Arbor details →

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