Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
24% cheaper
Cleveland is 24% more affordable than Ann Arbor. A $75,000 salary in Ann Arbor is equivalent to $57,237 in Cleveland.
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 Cleveland sits at 59 (national average = 100). The median home in Ann Arbor costs $400,000 compared to $100,000 in Cleveland, a difference of $300,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Ann Arbor versus $900 in Cleveland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Ann Arbor scores 101 while Cleveland scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Ann Arbor (101) are higher than Cleveland (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Ann Arbor is $65,024 compared to $32,053 in Cleveland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cleveland.
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