Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Downey, CA (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Downey

California
169

Buffalo is 64% cheaper than Downey.

$989/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 91%
$48,050/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 82%
$152,300 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 378%
$929/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 115%
276,397
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $903/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $10,836/year.

Median household income is $39,350/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

New York has a lower income tax rate, making Buffalo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Downey — common questions

Is Buffalo or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Downey?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $903/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Downey?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $39,350/year higher in Downey.
How do taxes compare between New York and California?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Downey details →

More Comparisons

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