Uprootmap
San Francisco vs Ann Arbor
San Francisco and Ann Arbor
Photo: Gsgeorge / Wikimedia, Public domain
Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.
Other cities
So you know: homicide deaths in Ann Arbor are under the US rate in this release, 3.5 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).
Why people look at San Francisco to Ann Arbor
In 2022-2023, 86 households filed a move from San Francisco to Ann Arbor (about 112 people, average adjusted gross income $112,012). 240 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.
A one-bedroom asking rent is about $2,635 in San Francisco and $1,492 in Ann Arbor. San Francisco has a state tax on wages. Ann Arbor has a state tax on wages. Local pay in Ann Arbor is 91% of the national level for the same work, against 134% in San Francisco.
Ann Arbor averages 173 sunny days, with July highs around 82°F and January nights around 23°F. San Francisco is 259 sunny days, 68°F in July, 46°F in January. Commutes average 23 minutes in Ann Arbor and 32 in San Francisco.
These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.
Who already made this move
In 2022-2023, 86 households moved San Francisco → Ann Arbor (about 112 people, average AGI $112,012). 240 households went the other way.
Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.
The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between San Francisco and Ann Arbor changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.
What the move itself costs
About 2,448 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.
- Full-service mover
- $4,750–$8,950
- Container or pod
- $3,450–$6,450
- Rent a truck
- $2,200–$4,100
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Dig into Ann Arbor
Questions
Is Ann Arbor cheaper than San Francisco after tax and rent?
Yes. Ann Arbor leaves about $1,765 more a month, so the cost of living is lower there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $2,635 in San Francisco and $1,492 in Ann Arbor.
Does Ann Arbor have state income tax?
Ann Arbor is in Michigan, which taxes wage income, plus a local wage tax of 1.00%.
Did people actually move from San Francisco to Ann Arbor?
Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.