Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs College Station, TX (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Buffalo is 33% cheaper than College Station.

$989/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↑ 18%
$48,050/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↑ 8%
$152,300 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$326,500 ↑ 114%
$929/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 35%
276,397
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $179/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $2,148/year.

Median household income is $3,726/year higher in College Station. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

Texas has no state income tax, giving College Station residents a significant tax advantage over New York's 10.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs College Station — common questions

Is Buffalo or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and College Station?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $179/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or College Station?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $3,726/year higher in College Station.
How do taxes compare between New York and Texas?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Buffalo and College Station

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