Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
3% cheaper
Ann Arbor is 3% more affordable than Denver. A $75,000 salary in Denver is equivalent to $72,458 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 Denver sits at 152 (national average = 100). The median home in Ann Arbor costs $400,000 compared to $520,000 in Denver, a difference of $120,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Ann Arbor versus $1,900 in Denver.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Ann Arbor scores 101 while Denver scores 102. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Ann Arbor (101) are lower than Denver (104). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Ann Arbor is $65,024 compared to $72,661 in Denver. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Ann Arbor.
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