Cost of Living: Plano, TX vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Plano is 9% more expensive than Ann Arbor.

$1,792/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↓ 13%
$108,649/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↓ 25%
$440,600 ↑ 1%
Home Value
$435,100 ↓ 1%
$1,829/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↓ 10%
287,339
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $240/month cheaper in Ann Arbor, saving renters about $2,880/year.

Median household income is $27,560/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Plano residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Plano 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 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $240/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $27,560/year higher in Plano.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Michigan?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Plano or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Ann Arbor details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Plano and Ann Arbor

Plano vs. Durham Plano vs. Chandler Plano vs. Anchorage Plano vs. Buffalo Plano vs. Jersey City Plano vs. Madison Ann Arbor vs. Lafayette Ann Arbor vs. Berkeley Ann Arbor vs. Rochester Ann Arbor vs. Fairfield Ann Arbor vs. Independence Ann Arbor vs. Hartford