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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

San Francisco is 121% more expensive than Ann Arbor.

$2,419/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↓ 36%
$141,446/yr ↑ 74%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↓ 43%
$1,380,500 ↑ 217%
Home Value
$435,100 ↓ 68%
$2,620/mo ↑ 60%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↓ 37%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $867/month cheaper in Ann Arbor, saving renters about $10,404/year.

Median household income is $60,357/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 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 Francisco vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is San Francisco 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 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $867/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $60,357/year higher in San Francisco.
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 Francisco or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 Francisco details → View Ann Arbor details →

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