Is Boston, MA cheaper than Buffalo, NY?

Based on cost of living data, Boston, MA is 58.1% more expensive than Buffalo, NY. This translates to spending an extra $4359 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Buffalo, NY, you'd need approximately $202,305.967 in Boston, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Boston, MA is 176.0% more expensive than in Buffalo, NY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $1,477/month in Buffalo, NY.

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

Living in Boston, MA costs approximately $4359 more per month than Buffalo, NY, or $52306 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Buffalo, NY vs Boston, MA: 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 Buffalo, NY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $4.4K/month more in Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $202.3K in Boston, MA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 58.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$4,359

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$52.3K

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

100 = national average

Median Home:$188K

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:

158

(58% above avg)

Median Home:$961K

Buffalo, NY

The Empire State

275K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Buffalo, NY vs Boston, MA

Category	Buffalo, NY	Boston, MA	Difference	Change
Housing	$1,911/mo	$5,275/mo	↑ $3,364more	176.0%
Transportation	$1,570/mo	$1,830/mo	↑ $261more	16.6%
All Utilities	$498/mo	$716/mo	↑ $218more	43.8%
Healthcare	$565/mo	$743/mo	↑ $179more	31.7%
Groceries	$1,039/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $40.13more	3.9%
Other	$1,789/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $35.58more	2.0%

Housing

↑ 176.0%

Buffalo, NY

$1,911

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$3,364

Transportation

↑ 16.6%

Buffalo, NY

$1,570

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$261

All Utilities

↑ 43.8%

Buffalo, NY

$498

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$218

Healthcare

↑ 31.7%

Buffalo, NY

$565

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$179

Groceries

↑ 3.9%

Buffalo, NY

$1,039

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

$40.13

Other

↑ 2.0%

Buffalo, NY

$1,789

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

$35.58

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,212

To$3,095

↑ $1,883

1 Bed

From$1,253

To$3,255

↑ $2,002

2 Bed

From$1,477

To$3,865

↑ $2,388

3 Bed

From$1,804

To$4,630

↑ $2,826

Buffalo, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $970–$1,620/mo

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/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

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$4,097

Difference

Home Values

Buffalo

Boston

$188K

Median Value

$961K

↑ +2.5%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↑ +37.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$108K - $558K

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 411% more expensive than Buffalo

Calculate payment - Buffalo Calculate payment - Boston

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$170

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.4%

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Buffalo, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:1.2%

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

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.