Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Buffalo is 65% cheaper than Alexandria.

$989/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 105%
$48,050/yr ↓ 58%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 136%
$152,300 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 358%
$929/mo ↓ 57%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 134%
276,397
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
5.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,042/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $12,504/year.

Median household income is $65,588/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Alexandria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Buffalo or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Alexandria?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $1,042/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Alexandria?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $65,588/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between New York and Virginia?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Alexandria details →

More Comparisons

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