Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Ann Arbor is 12% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $65,769 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 · Oregon salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Ann Arbor has a housing index of 135 while Portland sits at 168 (national average = 100). The median home in Ann Arbor costs $400,000 compared to $480,000 in Portland, a difference of $80,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Ann Arbor versus $1,800 in Portland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Ann Arbor scores 101 while Portland scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Ann Arbor (101) are lower than Portland (108).
Median household income in Ann Arbor is $65,024 compared to $71,005 in Portland. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Ann Arbor.
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