Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Springfield is 6% more affordable than Ann Arbor. A $75,000 salary in Ann Arbor is equivalent to $70,395 in Springfield.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Michigan salaries · Massachusetts salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Ann Arbor has a housing index of 135 while Springfield sits at 106 (national average = 100). The median home in Ann Arbor costs $400,000 compared to $230,000 in Springfield, a difference of $170,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Ann Arbor versus $1,200 in Springfield.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Ann Arbor scores 101 while Springfield scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Ann Arbor (101) are lower than Springfield (114).
Median household income in Ann Arbor is $65,024 compared to $41,612 in Springfield. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Springfield.
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