Michigan · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Ann Arbor, MI

The median household in Ann Arbor, MI earns $82,212 a year ($6,851/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $1,656/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $66,240 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 0.9% above the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$82,212$6,851 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$1,656HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)100.9+0.9% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate23¢per kWh · EIA Residential MI
Census Population122,036Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Ann Arbor, MI

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,656Monthly market rent
Share of gross income24.2%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$66,240To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$2,055At 30% of $82,212
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Ann Arbor, MI

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Ann Arbor, MI MSA. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Ann Arbor, MI
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$1,365$16,380$54,60019.9%
1-Bedroom Apartment$1,387$16,644$55,48020.2%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,656$19,872$66,24024.2%
3-Bedroom Home$1,986$23,832$79,44029%
4-Bedroom Home$2,193$26,316$87,72032%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Ann Arbor, MI →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Ann Arbor, MI

Based on the local median household income of $82,212/year ($6,851/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$3,426/moRent ($1,656 2-BR), utilities (~$207/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$2,055/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 100.9 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$1,370/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Michigan

Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Michigan state income tax based on the local median baseline.

$82,212
$30,000$165,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$82,212
Net 77%
Fed 11%
MI 4%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$63,423After all taxes
Monthly deposit$5,285Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$2,439Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate22.9%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$9,257 / yr
Michigan state income tax$3,243 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$6,289 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across Michigan with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Ann Arbor, MI

What is the median household income in Ann Arbor, MI?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Ann Arbor, MI is $82,212 per year (approximately $6,851 per month).

What is the average rent in Ann Arbor, MI?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Ann Arbor, MI are $1,365 for a studio, $1,387 for 1 bedroom, $1,656 for 2 bedrooms, $1,986 for 3 bedrooms, and $2,193 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Ann Arbor, MI compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Ann Arbor, MI is 100.9 (0.9% higher than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Ann Arbor, MI?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,656/month) in Ann Arbor, MI requires a minimum gross household income of $66,240 per year ($5,520 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Ann Arbor, MI?

For a typical household earning the median income of $82,212/year ($6,851/month) in Ann Arbor, MI, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $3,426/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $2,055/month to discretionary spending, and $1,370/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Ann Arbor, MI?

Residential electricity rates in Michigan average 23¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $207 per month.