Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
11% cheaper
Ann Arbor is 11% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $66,797 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 Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Ann Arbor costs $400,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $100,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Ann Arbor versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Ann Arbor scores 101 while Riverside scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Ann Arbor (101) are lower than Riverside (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Ann Arbor is $65,024 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Ann Arbor.
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