Moving from Austin to Ann Arbor (2026)
Ann Arbor has a COL index of 105 vs 122 for Austin (100 = US average). You'd pay about 14% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$33/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
122105
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,800$1,750
per month
State tax
None4.1%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,741$4,484
per month
Salary needed in Ann Arbor to match your Austin lifestyle
Based on the 14% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Austin | Equivalent in Ann Arbor |
|---|---|
| $40K | $34,426 |
| $50K | $43,033 |
| $60K | $51,639 |
| $75K | $64,549 |
| $80K | $68,852 |
| $100K | $86,066 |
| $120K | $103,279 |
| $150K | $129,098 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Austin vs Ann Arbor
| Expense | Austin | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,484 |
| 1BR rent | $1,800 | $1,750 |
| Groceries | $372 | $384 |
| Transport | $50 | $65 |
| Utilities | $170 | $162 |
| Internet | $65 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $2,284 | $2,060 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Ann Arbor cheaper than Austin?
Yes. Ann Arbor has a cost of living index of 105 vs 122 for Austin (100 = US average). That's about 14% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Austin to Ann Arbor?
On a $75K salary, moving from Austin to Ann Arbor could save roughly $33/month on core expenses. That's ~$396/year.
What salary do I need in Ann Arbor to match my Austin lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Austin, you'd need roughly $64,549/year in Ann Arbor. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Ann Arbor to AustinAustin vs Ann Arbor — full comparisonAustin cost of livingAnn Arbor cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only