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

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Buffalo is 70% cheaper than Arlington.

$989/mo ↓ 57%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 130%
$48,050/yr ↓ 66%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 192%
$152,300 ↓ 82%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 468%
$929/mo ↓ 62%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 160%
276,397
Population
235,463

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
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,286/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $15,432/year.

Median household income is $92,110/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Arlington — common questions

Is Buffalo or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Arlington?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $1,286/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Arlington?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $92,110/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Arlington details →

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