Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Fresno is 6% more affordable than Ann Arbor. A $75,000 salary in Ann Arbor is equivalent to $70,395 in Fresno.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Michigan salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Ann Arbor has a housing index of 135 while Fresno sits at 111 (national average = 100). The median home in Ann Arbor costs $400,000 compared to $330,000 in Fresno, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Ann Arbor versus $1,300 in Fresno.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Ann Arbor scores 101 while Fresno scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Ann Arbor (101) are higher than Fresno (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Ann Arbor is $65,024 compared to $53,838 in Fresno. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Fresno.
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