Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
26% cheaper
Ann Arbor is 26% more affordable than Long Beach. A $75,000 salary in Long Beach is equivalent to $55,161 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 · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Ann Arbor has a housing index of 135 while Long Beach sits at 236 (national average = 100). The median home in Ann Arbor costs $400,000 compared to $700,000 in Long Beach, a difference of $300,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Ann Arbor versus $2,200 in Long Beach.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Ann Arbor scores 101 while Long Beach scores 106.
Healthcare costs in Ann Arbor (101) are lower than Long Beach (103). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Ann Arbor is $65,024 compared to $60,567 in Long Beach. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Ann Arbor.
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