Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
23% cheaper
Ann Arbor is 23% more affordable than Boulder. A $75,000 salary in Boulder is equivalent to $57,770 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 · Colorado salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Ann Arbor has a housing index of 135 while Boulder sits at 230 (national average = 100). The median home in Ann Arbor costs $400,000 compared to $750,000 in Boulder, a difference of $350,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Ann Arbor versus $2,300 in Boulder.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Ann Arbor scores 101 while Boulder scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Ann Arbor (101) are lower than Boulder (104). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Ann Arbor is $65,024 compared to $73,123 in Boulder. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Ann Arbor.
Amazon affiliate links