Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
29% cheaper
Ann Arbor is 29% more affordable than San Diego. A $75,000 salary in San Diego is equivalent to $53,438 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 San Diego sits at 248 (national average = 100). The median home in Ann Arbor costs $400,000 compared to $800,000 in San Diego, a difference of $400,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Ann Arbor versus $2,500 in San Diego.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Ann Arbor scores 101 while San Diego scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Ann Arbor (101) are lower than San Diego (107). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Ann Arbor is $65,024 compared to $79,646 in San Diego. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Ann Arbor.
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