Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Billings, MT (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Buffalo is 29% cheaper than Billings.

$989/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↑ 11%
$48,050/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 50%
$152,300 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 105%
$929/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↑ 27%
276,397
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
6.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $108/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $1,296/year.

Median household income is $23,805/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Montana has a lower income tax rate, making Billings slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Billings — common questions

Is Buffalo or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Billings?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $108/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Billings?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $23,805/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between New York and Montana?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Billings has a cost index of 86 with rent of $1,097/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Billings details →

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