Cost of Living: Ann Arbor vs Denver (2026)
Ann Arbor has a 14% lower overall cost of living than Denver as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,750/mo in Ann Arbor vs $2,000/mo in Denver — a 13% difference.
- Ann Arbor is 14% cheaper overall (COL index: 105 vs 122)
- 1BR rent: $1,750/mo in Ann Arbor vs $2,000/mo — 13% savings
- Higher median household income: Denver ($75,000/yr vs $72,000/yr)
- Median home price: $400,000 in Ann Arbor vs $530,000 — 25% difference
| Category | Ann Arbor Michigan | Denver Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $1,400Best | $1,600 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,750Best | $2,000 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $2,300Best | $2,700 |
| Median home price | $400KBest | $530K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 101Best | 102 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $14Best | $15 |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $58Best | $65 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $65Best | $114 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.20Best | $3.30 |
| Car insurance/mo | $145Best | $155 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $162 | $140Best |
| Internet/mo | $63Best | $65 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $72K | $75KBest |
| State income tax% | 4.1%Best | 4.4% |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 6.0%Best | 8.8% |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $15.00Best | $16.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $42Best | $50 |
| Beer at restaurant | $6.50Best | $7.00 |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 105Best | 122 |
| Walk score / 100 | 55 | 60Best |
Frequently asked questions
Is Ann Arbor cheaper than Denver?
Yes. Ann Arbor is 14% cheaper than Denver based on overall cost of living indices (105 vs 122, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Ann Arbor vs Denver?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Ann Arbor is $1,750/month and in Denver is $2,000/month. Ann Arbor is cheaper by 13%.
How much do I need to earn in Denver to match a $75,000 salary in Ann Arbor?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $87,143/year in Denver to match a $75,000 salary in Ann Arbor. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Ann Arbor or Denver?
Ann Arbor has the lower state income tax rate at 4.1% vs 4.4%. The difference is 0.3 percentage points. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Ann Arbor to Denver?
It depends on your priorities. Ann Arbor offers lower overall costs, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
Want to add more cities or compare your own salary?
Use our interactive tool to compare up to 5 cities and see how much of your take-home goes to rent.