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

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Buffalo is 55% cheaper than Allen.

$989/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 90%
$48,050/yr ↓ 63%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 169%
$152,300 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$429,900 ↑ 182%
$929/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 124%
276,397
Population
107,684

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
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $888/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $10,656/year.

Median household income is $81,080/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Allen — common questions

Is Buffalo or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Allen?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $888/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Allen?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $81,080/year higher in Allen.
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 Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Allen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Buffalo and Allen

Buffalo vs. Chandler Buffalo vs. Madison Buffalo vs. Plano Buffalo vs. Chula Vista Buffalo vs. Durham Buffalo vs. Gilbert Allen vs. Tuscaloosa Allen vs. New York Allen vs. Tyler Allen vs. Los Angeles Allen vs. Riverview Allen vs. Chicago