Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Philadelphia is 30% cheaper than Ann Arbor.

$1,323/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↑ 17%
$60,698/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↑ 34%
$232,400 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$435,100 ↑ 87%
$1,233/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 33%
1,582,432
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $229/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $2,748/year.

Median household income is $20,391/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $229/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $20,391/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Michigan?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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 Philadelphia details → View Ann Arbor details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Philadelphia and Ann Arbor

Philadelphia vs. Phoenix Philadelphia vs. San Antonio Philadelphia vs. Houston Philadelphia vs. San Diego Philadelphia vs. Chicago Philadelphia vs. Dallas Ann Arbor vs. Lafayette Ann Arbor vs. Berkeley Ann Arbor vs. Rochester Ann Arbor vs. Fairfield Ann Arbor vs. Independence Ann Arbor vs. Hartford