Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
20% cheaper
Cincinnati is 20% more affordable than Ann Arbor. A $75,000 salary in Ann Arbor is equivalent to $59,868 in Cincinnati.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Michigan salaries · Ohio salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Ann Arbor has a housing index of 135 while Cincinnati sits at 76 (national average = 100). The median home in Ann Arbor costs $400,000 compared to $195,000 in Cincinnati, a difference of $205,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Ann Arbor versus $1,100 in Cincinnati.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Ann Arbor scores 101 while Cincinnati scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Ann Arbor (101) are higher than Cincinnati (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Ann Arbor is $65,024 compared to $44,003 in Cincinnati. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cincinnati.
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