Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
22% cheaper
Des Moines is 22% more affordable than Ann Arbor. A $75,000 salary in Ann Arbor is equivalent to $58,553 in Des Moines.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Michigan salaries · Iowa salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Ann Arbor has a housing index of 135 while Des Moines sits at 74 (national average = 100). The median home in Ann Arbor costs $400,000 compared to $210,000 in Des Moines, a difference of $190,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Ann Arbor versus $1,100 in Des Moines.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Ann Arbor scores 101 while Des Moines scores 96. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Ann Arbor (101) are higher than Des Moines (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Ann Arbor is $65,024 compared to $55,958 in Des Moines. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Des Moines.
Amazon affiliate links