Is Buffalo, NY cheaper than Rochester, NY?

Based on cost of living data, Buffalo, NY is 2.1% cheaper than Rochester, NY. This translates to saving $157 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Rochester, NY, you'd need approximately $148,110.529 in Buffalo, NY to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Buffalo, NY is 9.3% cheaper than in Rochester, NY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,477/month in Buffalo, NY compared to $1,633/month in Rochester, NY.

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

Moving from Rochester, NY to Buffalo, NY could save you approximately $157 per month, or $1889 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Rochester, 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 Rochester, NY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $157/month moving to Buffalo, NY

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.1K in Buffalo, NY

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

Overall Cost

↓ 2.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$157

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.9K

Per year

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

Rochester, NY

Population:207K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$198K

Buffalo, NY

Population:275K

Cost Index:

(2% below avg)

Median Home:$188K

Rochester, NY

The Empire State

207K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New York, this city has a population of 207K residents.

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: Rochester, NY vs Buffalo, NY

Category	Rochester, NY	Buffalo, NY	Difference	Change
Transportation	$1,315/mo	$1,570/mo	↑ $255more	19.4%
Housing	$2,108/mo	$1,911/mo	↓ $197less	9.3%
All Utilities	$631/mo	$498/mo	↓ $133less	21.1%
Other	$1,738/mo	$1,789/mo	↑ $51.05more	2.9%
Healthcare	$548/mo	$565/mo	↑ $16.88more	3.1%
Groceries	$1,029/mo	$1,039/mo	↑ $10.28more	1.0%

Transportation

↑ 19.4%

Rochester, NY

$1,315

Buffalo, NY

$1,570

Difference

$255

Housing

↓ 9.3%

Rochester, NY

$2,108

Buffalo, NY

$1,911

Difference

$197

less

All Utilities

↓ 21.1%

Rochester, NY

$631

Buffalo, NY

$498

Difference

$133

less

Other

↑ 2.9%

Rochester, NY

$1,738

Buffalo, NY

$1,789

Difference

$51.05

Healthcare

↑ 3.1%

Rochester, NY

$548

Buffalo, NY

$565

Difference

$16.88

Groceries

↑ 1.0%

Rochester, NY

$1,029

Buffalo, NY

$1,039

Difference

$10.28

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,157

To$1,212

↑ $55.00

1 Bed

From$1,309

To$1,253

↓ $56.00

2 Bed

From$1,633

To$1,477

↓ $156

3 Bed

From$1,968

To$1,804

↓ $164

Rochester, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,050–$1,880/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.

$7,368

Monthly in Rochester, NY

$7,372

Monthly in Buffalo, NY

$3.71

Difference

Home Values

Rochester

Buffalo

$198K

Median Value

$188K

↑ +2.3%

YoY Change

↑ +2.5%

↑ +45.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.7%

$90K - $334K

Price Range

$108K - $558K

Homes in Buffalo are 5% less expensive than Rochester

Calculate payment - Rochester 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

Rochester, 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

Rochester, 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.