Ann Arbor vs San Diego – Digital Nomad Guide
Trying to decide between Ann Arbor, United States and San Diego, United States? Here's a detailed comparison to help digital nomads and remote workers make an informed choice.
💰 Cost of Living
Ann Arbor has a monthly cost of $4,630, which is 29.8% lower than San Diego's $6,600.
🌐 Internet Infrastructure
For internet speeds, Ann Arbor offers 150 Mbps, while San Diego provides 150 Mbps – making San Diego's connection 0.0% faster .
☀️ Current Weather
The weather in Ann Arbor is currently 22°C 🌧️, while San Diego is experiencing 22°C 🌤️.
🛡️ Safety Comparison
Ann Arbor has a safety score of 79.0 , while San Diego scores 70.0 .

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Overall
San Diego wins
Quality of Life
Ann Arbor wins
Ann Arbor is 9% better
Ann Arbor is 6% better
Cost
Ann Arbor wins
Ann Arbor is 10% better
Climate
Ann Arbor wins
Infrastructure
Social
Ann Arbor is 7% better
Total Cost of Living Comparison
Category | Ann Arbor | San Diego | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Monthly Total | $4,630 | $6,600 | -29.8% |
Daily Average | $154 | $220 | per day |
Housing
Item | Ann Arbor | San Diego | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Apartment (1 bedroom) | $1,350.00 per month | $2,200.00 per month | -38.6% |
Daily Life
Item | Ann Arbor | San Diego | Difference |
---|---|---|---|
Coffee | $3.50 per cup | $4.50 per cup | -22.2% |
Beer | $6.00 per pint | $7.00 per pint | -14.3% |
Meal (Inexpensive) | $12.00 per meal | $15.00 per meal | -20.0% |
Transportation
Item | Ann Arbor | San Diego | Difference |
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Utilities
Item | Ann Arbor | San Diego | Difference |
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Final Verdict: Ann Arbor vs San Diego
San Diego ranks as the better digital nomad destination, scoring 3.0% higher than Ann Arbor overall.
💰 Cost Analysis
- Monthly Budget: $4,630 vs $6,600
- Daily Expenses: $154 vs $220
- Ann Arbor is 29.8% cheaper for digital nomads
🌐 Infrastructure
- Internet Speed: San Diego leads with 0% faster connection
- Public Transport: San Diego has better public transportation
🎯 Key Advantages
Ann Arbor Wins In:
- Safety (9% better)
- Healthcare (6% better)
- Cost of Living (10% better)
- Culture (7% better)
San Diego Wins In:
- No significant advantages found
💡 Final Recommendation
Choose San Diego if you prioritize better quality of life metrics and Safety. However, Ann Arbor might be preferable if Safety is your top priority. Both cities offer unique advantages for digital nomads, with distinct trade-offs in cost of living, infrastructure, and lifestyle options.
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