Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Buffalo is 23% cheaper than Dearborn.

$989/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↑ 28%
$48,050/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↑ 36%
$152,300 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$205,900 ↑ 35%
$929/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↑ 26%
276,397
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $275/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $3,300/year.

Median household income is $17,142/year higher in Dearborn. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Buffalo or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Dearborn?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $275/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Dearborn?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $17,142/year higher in Dearborn.
How do taxes compare between New York and Michigan?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Dearborn details →

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