Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Augusta, GA (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Augusta

Georgia
67

Buffalo is 9% cheaper than Augusta.

$989/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,087/mo ↑ 10%
$48,050/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$53,134/yr ↑ 11%
$152,300 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$162,900 ↑ 7%
$929/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,053/mo ↑ 13%
276,397
Population
201,504

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
5.49%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Augusta, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $98/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $1,176/year.

Median household income is $5,084/year higher in Augusta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $162,900 in Augusta.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Augusta slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Augusta — common questions

Is Buffalo or Augusta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Augusta?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Augusta it's $1,087/month — a difference of $98/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Augusta?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $53,134 in Augusta. Median household income is $5,084/year higher in Augusta.
How do taxes compare between New York and Georgia?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Augusta?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Augusta has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,087/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Augusta details →

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