Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Buffalo is 32% cheaper than Elgin.

$989/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 27%
$48,050/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 84%
$152,300 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 66%
$929/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 62%
276,397
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $271/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $3,252/year.

Median household income is $40,266/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Elgin slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Elgin — common questions

Is Buffalo or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Elgin?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $271/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Elgin?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $40,266/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between New York and Illinois?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Elgin details →

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