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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

San Diego is 63% more expensive than Ann Arbor.

$2,223/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↓ 30%
$104,321/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↓ 22%
$848,500 ↑ 95%
Home Value
$435,100 ↓ 49%
$2,308/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↓ 29%
1,385,061
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 San Diego, CA and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $671/month cheaper in Ann Arbor, saving renters about $8,052/year.

Median household income is $23,232/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is San Diego 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 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $671/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $23,232/year higher in San Diego.
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 San Diego or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Ann Arbor details →

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