Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
Rochester is 18% more affordable than Ann Arbor. A $75,000 salary in Ann Arbor is equivalent to $61,842 in Rochester.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Michigan salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Ann Arbor has a housing index of 135 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Ann Arbor costs $400,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $245,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Ann Arbor versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Ann Arbor scores 101 while Rochester scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Ann Arbor (101) are higher than Rochester (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Ann Arbor is $65,024 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Rochester.
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