Is Buffalo, NY cheaper than Worcester, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Buffalo, NY is 30.4% cheaper than Worcester, MA. This translates to saving $2281 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Worcester, MA, you'd need approximately $122,629.743 in Buffalo, NY to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Buffalo, NY is 55.7% cheaper than in Worcester, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,477/month in Buffalo, NY compared to $1,645/month in Worcester, MA.

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

Moving from Worcester, MA to Buffalo, NY could save you approximately $2281 per month, or $27370 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Worcester, MA 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 Worcester, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.3K/month moving to Buffalo, NY

$150.0K in your current city equals $122.6K in Buffalo, NY

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Providence-Warwick, RI-MA area

Overall Cost

↓ 30.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,281

Savings

Annual Impact

$27.4K

Per year

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

Worcester, MA

Population:208K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$410K

Buffalo, NY

Population:275K

Cost Index:

(30% below avg)

Median Home:$188K

Worcester, MA

The Bay State

208K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Massachusetts, this city has a population of 208K 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: Worcester, MA vs Buffalo, NY

Category	Worcester, MA	Buffalo, NY	Difference	Change
Housing	$4,315/mo	$1,911/mo	↓ $2,404less	55.7%
All Utilities	$682/mo	$498/mo	↓ $184less	27.0%
Healthcare	$709/mo	$565/mo	↓ $144less	20.3%
Other	$1,658/mo	$1,789/mo	↑ $131more	7.9%
Transportation	$1,664/mo	$1,570/mo	↓ $93.76less	5.6%
Groceries	$1,029/mo	$1,039/mo	↑ $10.24more	1.0%

Housing

↓ 55.7%

Worcester, MA

$4,315

Buffalo, NY

$1,911

Difference

$2,404

less

All Utilities

↓ 27.0%

Worcester, MA

$682

Buffalo, NY

$498

Difference

$184

less

Healthcare

↓ 20.3%

Worcester, MA

$709

Buffalo, NY

$565

Difference

$144

less

Other

↑ 7.9%

Worcester, MA

$1,658

Buffalo, NY

$1,789

Difference

$131

Transportation

↓ 5.6%

Worcester, MA

$1,664

Buffalo, NY

$1,570

Difference

$93.76

less

Groceries

↑ 1.0%

Worcester, MA

$1,029

Buffalo, NY

$1,039

Difference

$10.24

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,275

To$1,212

↓ $63.00

1 Bed

From$1,282

To$1,253

↓ $29.00

2 Bed

From$1,645

To$1,477

↓ $168

3 Bed

From$2,039

To$1,804

↓ $235

Worcester, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,500–$1,750/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.

$10,057

Monthly in Worcester, MA

$7,372

Monthly in Buffalo, NY

$2,685

Difference

Home Values

Worcester

Buffalo

$410K

Median Value

$188K

↑ +1.3%

YoY Change

↑ +2.5%

↑ +42.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.7%

$188K - $530K

Price Range

$108K - $558K

Homes in Buffalo are 54% less expensive than Worcester

Calculate payment - Worcester Calculate payment - Buffalo

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $2.0K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$170

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.4%

Rate difference

Worcester, 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

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

Worcester, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

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.