Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Buffalo is 50% cheaper than Ann Arbor.

$989/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↑ 57%
$48,050/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↑ 69%
$152,300 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$435,100 ↑ 186%
$929/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 76%
276,397
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $563/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $6,756/year.

Median household income is $33,039/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Ann Arbor slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Buffalo or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $563/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $33,039/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between New York and Michigan?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Ann Arbor details →

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