From time to time, studies are done that compare Ann Arbor's performance in some area with other comparable cities.
Here's some collection of those lists of comparisons.
For a perspective on this see Ann Arbor Is Overrated.
Transit
2010 transit study by the AATA: The consulting firm also identified 12 peer transit systems, located in Durham, NC; Grand Rapids, MI; Kalamazoo, MI; Lansing, MI; Lexington, KY; Little Rock, AR; Madison, WI; South Bend, IN; Syracuse, NY; Tallahassee, FL; Toledo, OH; and Urbana, IL.