Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Buffalo is 14% cheaper than Abilene.

$989/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↑ 12%
$48,050/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↑ 31%
$152,300 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$178,900 ↑ 17%
$929/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↑ 20%
276,397
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $117/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $1,404/year.

Median household income is $14,670/year higher in Abilene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Abilene — common questions

Is Buffalo or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Abilene?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $117/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Abilene?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $14,670/year higher in Abilene.
How do taxes compare between New York and Texas?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

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