Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
39% cheaper
Ann Arbor is 39% more affordable than Honolulu. A $75,000 salary in Honolulu is equivalent to $45,968 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 · Hawaii salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Ann Arbor has a housing index of 135 while Honolulu sits at 275 (national average = 100). The median home in Ann Arbor costs $400,000 compared to $720,000 in Honolulu, a difference of $320,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Ann Arbor versus $2,400 in Honolulu.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Ann Arbor scores 101 while Honolulu scores 138.
Healthcare costs in Ann Arbor (101) are lower than Honolulu (107). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Ann Arbor is $65,024 compared to $71,465 in Honolulu. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Ann Arbor.
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