Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Evansville, IN (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Evansville

Indiana
57

Buffalo is 7% more expensive than Evansville.

$989/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$949/mo ↓ 4%
$48,050/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$52,251/yr ↑ 9%
$152,300 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$129,100 ↓ 15%
$929/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$919/mo ↓ 1%
276,397
Population
116,441

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
3.05%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Evansville, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,201/year higher in Evansville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $129,100 in Evansville.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Evansville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Evansville — common questions

Is Buffalo or Evansville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Evansville is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 61 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Evansville?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Evansville it's $949/month — a difference of $40/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Evansville?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $52,251 in Evansville. Median household income is $4,201/year higher in Evansville.
How do taxes compare between New York and Indiana?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Evansville?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Evansville has a cost index of 57 with rent of $949/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Evansville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Buffalo and Evansville

Buffalo vs. Chandler Buffalo vs. Madison Buffalo vs. Plano Buffalo vs. Chula Vista Buffalo vs. Durham Buffalo vs. Gilbert Evansville vs. The Woodlands Evansville vs. Brandon Evansville vs. Lakeland Evansville vs. West Jordan Evansville vs. Clearwater Evansville vs. Broken Arrow