Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Buffalo, NY (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Buffalo

New York
61

Anchorage is 85% more expensive than Buffalo.

$1,453/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$989/mo ↓ 32%
$98,152/yr ↑ 104%
Median Income
$48,050/yr ↓ 51%
$375,900 ↑ 147%
Home Value
$152,300 ↓ 59%
$1,698/mo ↑ 83%
Owner Costs
$929/mo ↓ 45%
289,069
Population
276,397

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
10.9%
0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.04%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Buffalo, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $464/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $5,568/year.

Median household income is $50,102/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $152,300 in Buffalo.

Alaska has no state income tax, giving Anchorage residents a significant tax advantage over New York's 10.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Buffalo — common questions

Is Anchorage or Buffalo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Buffalo?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Buffalo it's $989/month — a difference of $464/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Buffalo?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $48,050 in Buffalo. Median household income is $50,102/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and New York?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Buffalo?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/mo, while Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with rent of $989/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anchorage details → View Buffalo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Anchorage and Buffalo

Anchorage vs. Jersey City Anchorage vs. Durham Anchorage vs. Lincoln Anchorage vs. Plano Anchorage vs. St. Louis Anchorage vs. Chandler Buffalo vs. Chandler Buffalo vs. Madison Buffalo vs. Plano Buffalo vs. Chula Vista Buffalo vs. Durham Buffalo vs. Gilbert