Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Chandler is 4% more affordable than Ann Arbor. A $75,000 salary in Ann Arbor is equivalent to $72,368 in Chandler.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Michigan salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Ann Arbor has a housing index of 135 while Chandler sits at 126 (national average = 100). The median home in Ann Arbor costs $400,000 compared to $450,000 in Chandler, a difference of $50,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Ann Arbor versus $1,650 in Chandler.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Ann Arbor scores 101 while Chandler scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Ann Arbor (101) are higher than Chandler (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Ann Arbor is $65,024 compared to $88,234 in Chandler. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Chandler.
Amazon affiliate links