Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Minneapolis is 7% more affordable than Ann Arbor. A $75,000 salary in Ann Arbor is equivalent to $69,737 in Minneapolis.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Michigan salaries · Minnesota salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Ann Arbor has a housing index of 135 while Minneapolis sits at 112 (national average = 100). The median home in Ann Arbor costs $400,000 compared to $310,000 in Minneapolis, a difference of $90,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Ann Arbor versus $1,500 in Minneapolis.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Ann Arbor scores 101 while Minneapolis scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Ann Arbor (101) are lower than Minneapolis (105). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Ann Arbor is $65,024 compared to $64,285 in Minneapolis. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Minneapolis.
Amazon affiliate links