Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Boise, ID (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Boise

Idaho
112

Buffalo is 46% cheaper than Boise.

$989/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,359/mo ↑ 37%
$48,050/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$81,308/yr ↑ 69%
$152,300 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$456,000 ↑ 199%
$929/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,337/mo ↑ 44%
276,397
Population
235,701

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
5.8%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Boise, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $370/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $4,440/year.

Median household income is $33,258/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $456,000 in Boise.

Idaho has a lower income tax rate, making Boise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Boise — common questions

Is Buffalo or Boise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Boise?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Boise it's $1,359/month — a difference of $370/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Boise?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $81,308 in Boise. Median household income is $33,258/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between New York and Idaho?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Boise?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Boise has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,359/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Boise details →

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