Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Salt Lake City is 3% cheaper than Ann Arbor.

$1,343/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↑ 16%
$74,925/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↑ 8%
$495,700 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$435,100 ↓ 12%
$1,394/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 18%
203,888
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.58%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $209/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $2,508/year.

Median household income is $6,164/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $209/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $6,164/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Michigan?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View Ann Arbor details →

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