Is Syracuse, NY cheaper than Buffalo, NY?

Based on cost of living data, Syracuse, NY is 1.9% more expensive than Buffalo, NY. This translates to spending an extra $140 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Buffalo, NY, you'd need approximately $151,679.251 in Syracuse, NY to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Buffalo, NY and Syracuse, NY?

Housing in Syracuse, NY is 5.4% cheaper than in Buffalo, NY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,043/month in Syracuse, NY compared to $1,477/month in Buffalo, NY.

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

Living in Syracuse, NY costs approximately $140 more per month than Buffalo, NY, or $1679 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Buffalo, NY vs Syracuse, 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 Buffalo, NY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $140/month more in Syracuse, NY

$150.0K in your current city equals $151.7K in Syracuse, NY

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

Overall Cost

↑ 1.9%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$140

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$1.7K

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

Syracuse, NY

Population:146K

Cost Index:

102

(2% above avg)

Median Home:$177K

Buffalo, NY

The Empire State

275K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Syracuse, NY

The Empire State

146K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New York, this city has a population of 146K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Buffalo, NY vs Syracuse, NY

Category	Buffalo, NY	Syracuse, NY	Difference	Change
Transportation	$1,570/mo	$1,421/mo	↓ $149less	9.5%
Housing	$1,911/mo	$1,809/mo	↓ $103less	5.4%
Healthcare	$565/mo	$648/mo	↑ $83.81more	14.8%
All Utilities	$498/mo	$562/mo	↑ $63.61more	12.8%
Other	$1,789/mo	$1,800/mo	↑ $11.24more	0.6%
Groceries	$1,039/mo	$1,036/mo	↓ $2.79less	0.3%

Transportation

↓ 9.5%

Buffalo, NY

$1,570

Syracuse, NY

$1,421

Difference

$149

less

Housing

↓ 5.4%

Buffalo, NY

$1,911

Syracuse, NY

$1,809

Difference

$103

less

Healthcare

↑ 14.8%

Buffalo, NY

$565

Syracuse, NY

$648

Difference

$83.81

All Utilities

↑ 12.8%

Buffalo, NY

$498

Syracuse, NY

$562

Difference

$63.61

Other

↑ 0.6%

Buffalo, NY

$1,789

Syracuse, NY

$1,800

Difference

$11.24

Groceries

↓ 0.3%

Buffalo, NY

$1,039

Syracuse, NY

$1,036

Difference

$2.79

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,212

To$748

↓ $464

1 Bed

From$1,253

To$839

↓ $414

2 Bed

From$1,477

To$1,043

↓ $434

3 Bed

From$1,804

To$1,269

↓ $535

Buffalo, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $970–$1,620/mo

Syracuse, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $990–$1,270/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

$7,276

Monthly in Syracuse, NY

$96.16

Difference

Home Values

Buffalo

Syracuse

$188K

Median Value

$177K

↑ +2.5%

YoY Change

↑ +3.5%

↑ +37.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +55.5%

$108K - $558K

Price Range

$138K - $348K

Homes in Syracuse are 6% less expensive than Buffalo

Calculate payment - Buffalo Calculate payment - Syracuse

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

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

Syracuse, 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

Buffalo, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:1.2%

Syracuse, 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.