Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
Ann Arbor is 14% more affordable than Bend. A $75,000 salary in Bend is equivalent to $64,773 in Ann Arbor.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Michigan salaries · Oregon salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Ann Arbor has a housing index of 135 while Bend sits at 182 (national average = 100). The median home in Ann Arbor costs $400,000 compared to $580,000 in Bend, a difference of $180,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Ann Arbor versus $1,900 in Bend.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Ann Arbor scores 101 while Bend scores 106.
Healthcare costs in Ann Arbor (101) are lower than Bend (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Ann Arbor is $65,024 compared to $68,234 in Bend. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Ann Arbor.
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