Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Buffalo is 60% cheaper than Arvada.

$989/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 82%
$48,050/yr ↓ 58%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 136%
$152,300 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 294%
$929/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 110%
276,397
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $813/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $9,756/year.

Median household income is $65,346/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Arvada — common questions

Is Buffalo or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Arvada?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $813/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Arvada?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $65,346/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between New York and Colorado?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Arvada details →

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