Example household · Washington, DC · $83,730 · same pay · 1 adult

Ann Arbor skyline

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Washington vs Ann Arbor

Washington and Ann Arbor

Photo: Gsgeorge / Wikimedia, Public domain

Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.

Same pay in both cities. One adult, one bedroom.

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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 Washington to Ann Arbor

In 2022-2023, 144 households filed a move from Washington to Ann Arbor (about 205 people, average adjusted gross income $101,375). 234 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.

A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,916 in Washington and $1,492 in Ann Arbor. Washington 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 124% in Washington.

Ann Arbor averages 173 sunny days, with July highs around 82°F and January nights around 23°F. Washington is 203 sunny days, 89°F in July, 29°F in January. Commutes average 23 minutes in Ann Arbor and 34 in Washington.

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.

How we figure this

Who already made this move

In 2022-2023, 144 households moved Washington → Ann Arbor (about 205 people, average AGI $101,375). 234 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 Washington and Ann Arbor changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.

What the move itself costs

About 490 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.

Full-service mover
$2,100–$3,900
Container or pod
$1,450–$2,700
Rent a truck
$650–$1,250

Movers in Ann Arbor and how to hire one →

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Questions

Is Ann Arbor cheaper than Washington after tax and rent?

Yes. Ann Arbor leaves about $772 more a month, so the cost of living is lower there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,916 in Washington 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 Washington 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.