Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Salt Lake City is 6% more affordable than Ann Arbor. A $75,000 salary in Ann Arbor is equivalent to $70,395 in Salt Lake City.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Michigan salaries · Utah salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Ann Arbor has a housing index of 135 while Salt Lake City sits at 120 (national average = 100). The median home in Ann Arbor costs $400,000 compared to $440,000 in Salt Lake City, a difference of $40,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Ann Arbor versus $1,500 in Salt Lake City.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Ann Arbor scores 101 while Salt Lake City scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Ann Arbor (101) are higher than Salt Lake City (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Ann Arbor is $65,024 compared to $60,590 in Salt Lake City. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Salt Lake City.
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