Is Buffalo, NY cheaper than Boston, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Buffalo, NY is 36.8% cheaper than Boston, MA. This translates to saving $2757 per month.

What salary do I need in Buffalo, NY to live like I do in Boston, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in Boston, MA, you'd need approximately $116,919.609 in Buffalo, NY to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Boston, MA and Buffalo, NY?

Housing in Buffalo, NY is 63.8% cheaper than in Boston, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,477/month in Buffalo, NY compared to $3,865/month in Boston, MA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Boston, MA to Buffalo, NY?

Moving from Boston, MA to Buffalo, NY could save you approximately $2757 per month, or $33080 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Boston, MA 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 Boston, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.8K/month moving to Buffalo, NY

$150.0K in your current city equals $116.9K in Buffalo, NY

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area

Overall Cost

↓ 36.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,757

Savings

Annual Impact

$33.1K

Per year

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

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$961K

Buffalo, NY

Population:275K

Cost Index:

(37% below avg)

Median Home:$188K

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

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: Boston, MA vs Buffalo, NY

Category	Boston, MA	Buffalo, NY	Difference	Change
Housing	$5,275/mo	$1,911/mo	↓ $3,364less	63.8%
Transportation	$1,830/mo	$1,570/mo	↓ $261less	14.2%
All Utilities	$716/mo	$498/mo	↓ $218less	30.4%
Healthcare	$743/mo	$565/mo	↓ $179less	24.1%
Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,039/mo	↓ $40.13less	3.7%
Other	$1,825/mo	$1,789/mo	↓ $35.58less	1.9%

Housing

↓ 63.8%

Boston, MA

$5,275

Buffalo, NY

$1,911

Difference

$3,364

less

Transportation

↓ 14.2%

Boston, MA

$1,830

Buffalo, NY

$1,570

Difference

$261

less

All Utilities

↓ 30.4%

Boston, MA

$716

Buffalo, NY

$498

Difference

$218

less

Healthcare

↓ 24.1%

Boston, MA

$743

Buffalo, NY

$565

Difference

$179

less

Groceries

↓ 3.7%

Boston, MA

$1,079

Buffalo, NY

$1,039

Difference

$40.13

less

Other

↓ 1.9%

Boston, MA

$1,825

Buffalo, NY

$1,789

Difference

$35.58

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$3,095

To$1,212

↓ $1,883

1 Bed

From$3,255

To$1,253

↓ $2,002

2 Bed

From$3,865

To$1,477

↓ $2,388

3 Bed

From$4,630

To$1,804

↓ $2,826

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/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.

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$7,372

Monthly in Buffalo, NY

$4,097

Difference

Home Values

Boston

Buffalo

$961K

Median Value

$188K

↓ -0.7%

YoY Change

↑ +2.5%

↑ +7%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.7%

$709K - $3.40M

Price Range

$108K - $558K

Homes in Buffalo are 80% less expensive than Boston

Calculate payment - Boston Calculate payment - Buffalo

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $2.0K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$170

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.4%

Rate difference

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

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

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

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.