Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Ann Arbor is 7% more affordable than Scottsdale. A $75,000 salary in Scottsdale is equivalent to $69,512 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 · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Ann Arbor has a housing index of 135 while Scottsdale sits at 162 (national average = 100). The median home in Ann Arbor costs $400,000 compared to $580,000 in Scottsdale, a difference of $180,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Ann Arbor versus $2,000 in Scottsdale.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Ann Arbor scores 101 while Scottsdale scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Ann Arbor (101) are higher than Scottsdale (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Ann Arbor is $65,024 compared to $92,298 in Scottsdale. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Ann Arbor.
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