Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Fayetteville, NC (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

Buffalo is 16% cheaper than Fayetteville.

$989/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↑ 19%
$48,050/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↑ 17%
$152,300 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$171,900 ↑ 13%
$929/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↑ 24%
276,397
Population
209,692

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $190/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $2,280/year.

Median household income is $8,345/year higher in Fayetteville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Fayetteville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Buffalo or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Fayetteville?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $190/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $8,345/year higher in Fayetteville.
How do taxes compare between New York and North Carolina?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,179/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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