Median rent is 4% lower in Ann Arbor ($1,552/mo vs $1,612/mo). Buying is cheaper in Ann Arbor, where the median home runs $435,100 versus $669,500. Households earn more in Newport ($83,562 vs $81,089 a year). Taken together, Ann Arbor is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 97.9 against 97.9 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Newport, RI.
City A
Ann Arbor, MI
City B
Newport, RI
How much would you need to earn in Newport, RI to maintain your standard of living from Ann Arbor, MI?
Equivalent salary in Newport, RI
$75,021
You'd need $21 more (0% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Ann Arbor
Michigan
Newport
Rhode Island
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rents are similar in both cities: $1,552/mo in Ann Arbor and $1,612/mo in Newport. Home buyers face a steeper market in Newport: the median home is $669,500 versus $435,100 in Ann Arbor — 35% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Michigan's top income tax rate is 4.25% versus 5.99% in Rhode Island, so Ann Arbor is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Michigan and 7.00% in Rhode Island; Ann Arbor has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Ann Arbor
Income tax: 4.25%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Newport
Income tax: 5.99%
Sales tax: 7.00%
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick Ann Arbor if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.25%).
Is Ann Arbor cheaper than Newport?
Ann Arbor is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 97.9 versus 97.9 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Ann Arbor.
How much is rent in Ann Arbor vs Newport?
Median rent is $1,552/mo in Ann Arbor, MI and $1,612/mo in Newport, RI. Ann Arbor, MI has the lower rent by about 4%.
Which has higher salaries — Ann Arbor or Newport?
Median household income is $81,089 in Ann Arbor, MI and $83,562 in Newport, RI. Newport, RI has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Ann Arbor or Newport?
Michigan's top income tax rate is 4.25% and Rhode Island's is 5.99%. Ann Arbor, MI has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Newport to match my Ann Arbor income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Ann Arbor, MI is equivalent to roughly $100,028 in Newport, RI (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology