Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Buffalo is 13% cheaper than Des Moines.

$989/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↑ 7%
$48,050/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↑ 33%
$152,300 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$183,700 ↑ 21%
$929/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↑ 22%
276,397
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $65/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $780/year.

Median household income is $15,916/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

Iowa has a lower income tax rate, making Des Moines slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Buffalo or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 70 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Des Moines?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $65/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Des Moines?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $15,916/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between New York and Iowa?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with rent of $1,054/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Des Moines details →

More Comparisons

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