Is Buffalo, NY cheaper than Baltimore, MD?

Based on cost of living data, Buffalo, NY is 11.1% cheaper than Baltimore, MD. This translates to saving $833 per month.

What salary do I need in Buffalo, NY to live like I do in Baltimore, MD?

If you earn $150,000 in Baltimore, MD, you'd need approximately $140,009.639 in Buffalo, NY to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Baltimore, MD and Buffalo, NY?

Housing in Buffalo, NY is 38.7% cheaper than in Baltimore, MD. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,477/month in Buffalo, NY compared to $1,770/month in Baltimore, MD.

How much can I save per month by moving from Baltimore, MD to Buffalo, NY?

Moving from Baltimore, MD to Buffalo, NY could save you approximately $833 per month, or $9990 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Baltimore, MD vs Buffalo, NY: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Baltimore, MD

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $833/month moving to Buffalo, NY

$150.0K in your current city equals $140.0K in Buffalo, NY

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area

Overall Cost

↓ 11.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$833

Savings

Annual Impact

$10.0K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Baltimore, MD

Population:586K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$218K

Buffalo, NY

Population:275K

Cost Index:

(11% below avg)

Median Home:$188K

Baltimore, MD

The Old Line State

586K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Maryland, this city has a population of 586K residents.

Buffalo, NY

The Empire State

275K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New York, this city has a population of 275K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Baltimore, MD vs Buffalo, NY

Category	Baltimore, MD	Buffalo, NY	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,118/mo	$1,911/mo	↓ $1,207less	38.7%
Transportation	$1,380/mo	$1,570/mo	↑ $190more	13.8%
All Utilities	$607/mo	$498/mo	↓ $109less	17.9%
Other	$1,707/mo	$1,789/mo	↑ $81.60more	4.8%
Groceries	$1,089/mo	$1,039/mo	↓ $50.12less	4.6%
Healthcare	$589/mo	$565/mo	↓ $24.04less	4.1%

Housing

↓ 38.7%

Baltimore, MD

$3,118

Buffalo, NY

$1,911

Difference

$1,207

less

Transportation

↑ 13.8%

Baltimore, MD

$1,380

Buffalo, NY

$1,570

Difference

$190

All Utilities

↓ 17.9%

Baltimore, MD

$607

Buffalo, NY

$498

Difference

$109

less

Other

↑ 4.8%

Baltimore, MD

$1,707

Buffalo, NY

$1,789

Difference

$81.60

Groceries

↓ 4.6%

Baltimore, MD

$1,089

Buffalo, NY

$1,039

Difference

$50.12

less

Healthcare

↓ 4.1%

Baltimore, MD

$589

Buffalo, NY

$565

Difference

$24.04

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Baltimore, MD: Baltimore City Income Tax$4,800/yr (3.2%)

Buffalo, NY has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,270

To$1,212

↓ $58.00

1 Bed

From$1,450

To$1,253

↓ $197

2 Bed

From$1,770

To$1,477

↓ $293

3 Bed

From$2,280

To$1,804

↓ $476

Baltimore, MDZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,450–$1,790/mo

Buffalo, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $970–$1,620/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,490

Monthly in Baltimore, MD

$7,372

Monthly in Buffalo, NY

$1,118

Difference

Home Values

Baltimore

Buffalo

$218K

Median Value

$188K

↓ -0.6%

YoY Change

↑ +2.5%

↑ +20%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.7%

$72K - $469K

Price Range

$108K - $558K

Homes in Buffalo are 14% less expensive than Baltimore

Calculate payment - Baltimore Calculate payment - Buffalo

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $2.3K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$190

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.5%

Rate difference

Baltimore, MD

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Maryland State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.5%

$44.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,811/month

$105.7K

Buffalo, NY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New York State Tax

Effective: 6.4%

$9.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.0%

$46.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,620/month

$103.4K

Additional Tax Information

Baltimore, MD Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

Buffalo, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:1.2%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.