Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
San Antonio is 21% more affordable than Ann Arbor. A $75,000 salary in Ann Arbor is equivalent to $59,211 in San Antonio.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Michigan salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Ann Arbor has a housing index of 135 while San Antonio sits at 78 (national average = 100). The median home in Ann Arbor costs $400,000 compared to $250,000 in San Antonio, a difference of $150,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Ann Arbor versus $1,200 in San Antonio.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Ann Arbor scores 101 while San Antonio scores 93.
Healthcare costs in Ann Arbor (101) are higher than San Antonio (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Ann Arbor is $65,024 compared to $53,420 in San Antonio. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in San Antonio.
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