Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Buffalo is 22% more expensive than Dayton.

$989/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 12%
$48,050/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 10%
$152,300 ↑ 63%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 39%
$929/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 10%
276,397
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
3.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $123/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $1,476/year.

Median household income is $4,596/year higher in Buffalo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Dayton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Dayton — common questions

Is Buffalo or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 61 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Dayton?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $123/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Dayton?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $4,596/year higher in Buffalo.
How do taxes compare between New York and Ohio?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Dayton has a cost index of 50 with rent of $866/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Dayton details →

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