Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Seattle is 62% more expensive than Ann Arbor.

$1,998/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↓ 22%
$121,984/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↓ 34%
$912,100 ↑ 110%
Home Value
$435,100 ↓ 52%
$2,220/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↓ 26%
741,440
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $446/month cheaper in Ann Arbor, saving renters about $5,352/year.

Median household income is $40,895/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Seattle 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 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $446/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $40,895/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Michigan?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Ann Arbor details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Ann Arbor

Seattle vs. San Francisco Seattle vs. Denver Seattle vs. Indianapolis Seattle vs. Oklahoma City Seattle vs. Charlotte Seattle vs. Nashville Ann Arbor vs. Lafayette Ann Arbor vs. Berkeley Ann Arbor vs. Rochester Ann Arbor vs. Fairfield Ann Arbor vs. Independence Ann Arbor vs. Hartford