Median rent is 6% lower in Ann Arbor ($1,552/mo vs $1,649/mo). Buying is cheaper in Virginia Beach, where the median home runs $366,300 versus $435,100. Households earn more in Virginia Beach ($90,685 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 Virginia Beach, VA.
City A
Ann Arbor, MI
City B
Virginia Beach, VA
How much would you need to earn in Virginia Beach, VA to maintain your standard of living from Ann Arbor, MI?
Equivalent salary in Virginia Beach, VA
$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
Virginia Beach
Virginia
👥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 rent is modestly lower in Ann Arbor at $1,552/mo compared to $1,649/mo in Virginia Beach (6% gap). Median home values are within 16% of each other: $435,100 in Ann Arbor and $366,300 in Virginia Beach.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Michigan's top income tax rate is 4.25% versus 5.75% in Virginia, so Ann Arbor is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Michigan and 5.30% in Virginia; Virginia Beach has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Ann Arbor
Income tax: 4.25%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Virginia Beach
Income tax: 5.75%
Sales tax: 5.30%
Air quality data is available for Virginia Beach (avg AQI 55.0) but not yet for Ann Arbor.
Pick Virginia Beach if you prioritize higher median household income ($90,685/yr).
Pick Ann Arbor if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.25%).
Is Ann Arbor cheaper than Virginia Beach?
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 Virginia Beach?
Median rent is $1,552/mo in Ann Arbor, MI and $1,649/mo in Virginia Beach, VA. Ann Arbor, MI has the lower rent by about 6%.
Which has higher salaries — Ann Arbor or Virginia Beach?
Median household income is $81,089 in Ann Arbor, MI and $90,685 in Virginia Beach, VA. Virginia Beach, VA 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 Virginia Beach?
Michigan's top income tax rate is 4.25% and Virginia's is 5.75%. Ann Arbor, MI has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach, VA (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