Is Buffalo, NY cheaper than Philadelphia, PA?

Based on cost of living data, Buffalo, NY is 6.9% cheaper than Philadelphia, PA. This translates to saving $516 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Philadelphia, PA, you'd need approximately $143,804.563 in Buffalo, NY to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Philadelphia, PA and Buffalo, NY?

Housing in Buffalo, NY is 17.4% cheaper than in Philadelphia, PA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,477/month in Buffalo, NY compared to $1,660/month in Philadelphia, PA.

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

Moving from Philadelphia, PA to Buffalo, NY could save you approximately $516 per month, or $6195 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Philadelphia, PA 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 Philadelphia, PA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $516/month moving to Buffalo, NY

$150.0K in your current city equals $143.8K in Buffalo, NY

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area

Overall Cost

↓ 6.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$516

Savings

Annual Impact

$6.2K

Per year

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

Philadelphia, PA

Population:1584K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$241K

Buffalo, NY

Population:275K

Cost Index:

(7% below avg)

Median Home:$188K

Philadelphia, PA

The Keystone State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Birthplace of America
•Cheesesteak city
•Major East Coast hub

Major Industries

HealthcareEducationFinanceManufacturing

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: Philadelphia, PA vs Buffalo, NY

Category	Philadelphia, PA	Buffalo, NY	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,313/mo	$1,911/mo	↓ $402less	17.4%
Transportation	$1,421/mo	$1,570/mo	↑ $149more	10.5%
All Utilities	$607/mo	$498/mo	↓ $109less	17.9%
Groceries	$1,104/mo	$1,039/mo	↓ $65.11less	5.9%
Healthcare	$607/mo	$565/mo	↓ $42.63less	7.0%
Other	$1,774/mo	$1,789/mo	↑ $14.64more	0.8%

Housing

↓ 17.4%

Philadelphia, PA

$2,313

Buffalo, NY

$1,911

Difference

$402

less

Transportation

↑ 10.5%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,421

Buffalo, NY

$1,570

Difference

$149

All Utilities

↓ 17.9%

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Buffalo, NY

$498

Difference

$109

less

Groceries

↓ 5.9%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,104

Buffalo, NY

$1,039

Difference

$65.11

less

Healthcare

↓ 7.0%

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Buffalo, NY

$565

Difference

$42.63

less

Other

↑ 0.8%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,774

Buffalo, NY

$1,789

Difference

$14.64

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Philadelphia, PA: Philadelphia Wage Tax (resident)$5,625/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$1,280

To$1,212

↓ $68.00

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,253

↓ $137

2 Bed

From$1,660

To$1,477

↓ $183

3 Bed

From$1,990

To$1,804

↓ $186

Philadelphia, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$2,280/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.

$7,826

Monthly in Philadelphia, PA

$7,372

Monthly in Buffalo, NY

$454

Difference

Home Values

Philadelphia

Buffalo

$241K

Median Value

$188K

↑ +2.8%

YoY Change

↑ +2.5%

↑ +9%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.7%

$71K - $855K

Price Range

$108K - $558K

Homes in Buffalo are 22% less expensive than Philadelphia

Calculate payment - Philadelphia Calculate payment - Buffalo

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $4.9K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$412

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.3%

Rate difference

Philadelphia, PA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Pennsylvania State Tax

Effective: 3.1%

$4.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.7%

$41.6K

Take-Home Pay

$9,032/month

$108.4K

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

Philadelphia, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

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.