Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Greenville is 17% more affordable than Ann Arbor. A $75,000 salary in Ann Arbor is equivalent to $62,500 in Greenville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Michigan salaries · South Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Ann Arbor has a housing index of 135 while Greenville sits at 85 (national average = 100). The median home in Ann Arbor costs $400,000 compared to $250,000 in Greenville, a difference of $150,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Ann Arbor versus $1,200 in Greenville.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Ann Arbor scores 101 while Greenville scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Ann Arbor (101) are lower than Greenville (103). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Ann Arbor is $65,024 compared to $48,912 in Greenville. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Greenville.
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