Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Buffalo, NY (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Buffalo

New York
61

Baltimore is 38% more expensive than Buffalo.

$1,290/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$989/mo ↓ 23%
$59,623/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$48,050/yr ↓ 19%
$219,300 ↑ 44%
Home Value
$152,300 ↓ 31%
$1,333/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$929/mo ↓ 30%
577,193
Population
276,397

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
10.9%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.07%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Buffalo, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $301/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $3,612/year.

Median household income is $11,573/year higher in Baltimore. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $152,300 in Buffalo.

Maryland has a lower income tax rate, making Baltimore slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Buffalo — common questions

Is Baltimore or Buffalo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Buffalo?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Buffalo it's $989/month — a difference of $301/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Buffalo?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $48,050 in Buffalo. Median household income is $11,573/year higher in Baltimore.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and New York?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Buffalo?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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.
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