Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Buffalo is 46% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$989/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 48%
$48,050/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↑ 33%
$152,300 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 158%
$929/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 66%
276,397
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
10.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.62%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $474/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $5,688/year.

Median household income is $15,824/year higher in Elizabeth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

New Jersey has a lower income tax rate, making Elizabeth slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Buffalo or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $474/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $15,824/year higher in Elizabeth.
How do taxes compare between New York and New Jersey?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Buffalo and Elizabeth

Buffalo vs. Chandler Buffalo vs. Madison Buffalo vs. Plano Buffalo vs. Chula Vista Buffalo vs. Durham Buffalo vs. Gilbert Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland