Ann Arbor, MI vs Austin, MN
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Ann Arbor
72.9
#803 nationally
Austin
83.9
#10 nationally
Ann Arbor leads in walk score (57 vs 37). Austin leads in cost of living index (91 vs 114). Austin leads in average commute (17 min vs 20.8 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Ann Arbor, MI | Austin, MN |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 72.9 (#803) | 83.9 (#10) |
| Population | 123,851 | 26,171 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $536,036 | $193,110 |
| Median Household Income | $73,018 | $61,667 |
| Average Commute | 20.8 min | 17 min |
| Walk Score | 57 | 37 |
| Crime Level | Low | 5.2 |
| School Rating | 8.9 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 114 | 91 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+44.4 | R+10.5 |
C-
72.9 Score
Ann Arbor, MI
A quintessential college town with big-city culture
Median Home
$536,036
Population
123,851
Crime
Low
Schools
A
Midwest
View Ann Arbor, MI →
B
83.9 Score
Austin, MN
Small Minnesota city with local appeal
Median Home
$193,110
Population
26,171
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
37
Midwest
View Austin, MN →