Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
Ann Arbor is 14% more affordable than Columbia. A $75,000 salary in Columbia 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 · Maryland salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Ann Arbor has a housing index of 135 while Columbia sits at 172 (national average = 100). The median home in Ann Arbor costs $400,000 compared to $430,000 in Columbia, a difference of $30,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Ann Arbor versus $1,900 in Columbia.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Ann Arbor scores 101 while Columbia scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Ann Arbor (101) match Columbia (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Ann Arbor is $65,024 compared to $112,738 in Columbia. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Ann Arbor.
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