Is Buffalo, NY cheaper than New York, NY?

Based on cost of living data, Buffalo, NY is 43.9% cheaper than New York, NY. This translates to saving $3293 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in New York, NY, you'd need approximately $110,482.272 in Buffalo, NY to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between New York, NY and Buffalo, NY?

Housing in Buffalo, NY is 75.0% cheaper than in New York, NY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,477/month in Buffalo, NY compared to $3,590/month in New York, NY.

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

Moving from New York, NY to Buffalo, NY could save you approximately $3293 per month, or $39518 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

New York, NY vs Buffalo, NY: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in New York, NY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.3K/month moving to Buffalo, NY

$150.0K in your current city equals $110.5K in Buffalo, NY

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA area

Overall Cost

↓ 43.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,293

Savings

Annual Impact

$39.5K

Per year

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

New York, NY

Population:8337K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$1.05M

Buffalo, NY

Population:275K

Cost Index:

(44% below avg)

Median Home:$188K

New York, NY

The Empire State

8.3M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Most populous city in the US
•Major global financial center
•World-renowned cultural hub

Major Industries

FinanceReal EstateTechnologyMedia

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: New York, NY vs Buffalo, NY

Category	New York, NY	Buffalo, NY	Difference	Change
Housing	$7,648/mo	$1,911/mo	↓ $5,737less	75.0%
Other	$2,034/mo	$1,789/mo	↓ $245less	12.0%
Groceries	$1,165/mo	$1,039/mo	↓ $126less	10.8%
Healthcare	$688/mo	$565/mo	↓ $123less	17.9%
All Utilities	$600/mo	$498/mo	↓ $102less	17.0%
Transportation	$1,602/mo	$1,570/mo	↓ $32.52less	2.0%

Housing

↓ 75.0%

New York, NY

$7,648

Buffalo, NY

$1,911

Difference

$5,737

less

Other

↓ 12.0%

New York, NY

$2,034

Buffalo, NY

$1,789

Difference

$245

less

Groceries

↓ 10.8%

New York, NY

$1,165

Buffalo, NY

$1,039

Difference

$126

less

Healthcare

↓ 17.9%

New York, NY

$688

Buffalo, NY

$565

Difference

$123

less

All Utilities

↓ 17.0%

New York, NY

$600

Buffalo, NY

$498

Difference

$102

less

Transportation

↓ 2.0%

New York, NY

$1,602

Buffalo, NY

$1,570

Difference

$32.52

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

New York, NY: NYC Income Tax$5,689/yr (3.8%)

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$3,120

To$1,212

↓ $1,908

1 Bed

From$3,270

To$1,253

↓ $2,017

2 Bed

From$3,590

To$1,477

↓ $2,113

3 Bed

From$4,500

To$1,804

↓ $2,696

New York, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,260–$3,990/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.

$13,737

Monthly in New York, NY

$7,372

Monthly in Buffalo, NY

$6,365

Difference

Home Values

New York

Buffalo

$1.05M

Median Value

$188K

↓ -0.1%

YoY Change

↑ +2.5%

↓ -5.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.7%

$471K - $3.49M

Price Range

$108K - $558K

Homes in Buffalo are 82% less expensive than New York

Calculate payment - New York Calculate payment - Buffalo

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

New York, 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

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

New York, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

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.