Is Austin, TX cheaper than Buffalo, NY?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 9.3% more expensive than Buffalo, NY. This translates to spending an extra $698 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Buffalo, NY?

If you earn $150,000 in Buffalo, NY, you'd need approximately $158,372.581 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Buffalo, NY and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 50.9% more expensive than in Buffalo, NY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,477/month in Buffalo, NY.

How much can I save per month by moving from Buffalo, NY to Austin, TX?

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $698 more per month than Buffalo, NY, or $8373 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Buffalo, NY vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Buffalo, NY — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Cleveland, OH area

Current salary in Buffalo, NY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $698/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $158.4K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY area

Overall Cost

↑ 9.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$698

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$8.4K

Per year

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

Buffalo, NY

Population:275K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$188K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:109

Median Home:$558K

Buffalo, NY

The Empire State

275K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Buffalo, NY vs Austin, TX

Category	Buffalo, NY	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,911/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $973more	50.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,570/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $286less	18.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,039/mo	$959/mo	↓ $79.78less	7.7%
📦Other	$1,789/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $48.12less	2.7%
⚡All Utilities	$498/mo	$541/mo	↑ $43.06more	8.6%
🏥Healthcare	$565/mo	$589/mo	↑ $24.04more	4.3%

🏠Housing

↑ 50.9%

Buffalo, NY

$1,911

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$973

🚗Transportation

↓ 18.2%

Buffalo, NY

$1,570

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$286

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 7.7%

Buffalo, NY

$1,039

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$79.78

less

📦Other

↓ 2.7%

Buffalo, NY

$1,789

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$48.12

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 8.6%

Buffalo, NY

$498

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$43.06

🏥Healthcare

↑ 4.3%

Buffalo, NY

$565

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$24.04

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,212

To$1,585

↑ $373

1 Bed

From$1,253

To$1,685

↑ $432

2 Bed

From$1,477

To$1,995

↑ $518

3 Bed

From$1,804

To$2,525

↑ $721

Buffalo, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $970–$1,620/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/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.

$7,372

Monthly in Buffalo, NY

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$627

Difference

Home Values

Buffalo

Austin

$188K

Median Value

$558K

↑ +2.5%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +37.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$108K - $558K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 197% more expensive than Buffalo

Calculate payment - Buffalo Calculate payment - Austin

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $9.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$795

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

6.4%

Rate difference

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

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Buffalo, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:1.2%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 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.