Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Austin is 6% more affordable than Ann Arbor. A $75,000 salary in Ann Arbor is equivalent to $70,395 in Austin.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Michigan salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Ann Arbor has a housing index of 135 while Austin sits at 123 (national average = 100). The median home in Ann Arbor costs $400,000 compared to $430,000 in Austin, a difference of $30,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Ann Arbor versus $1,700 in Austin.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Ann Arbor scores 101 while Austin scores 96. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Ann Arbor (101) are higher than Austin (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Ann Arbor is $65,024 compared to $75,413 in Austin. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Austin.
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