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

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Fontana

California
146

Buffalo is 58% cheaper than Fontana.

$989/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↑ 75%
$48,050/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 104%
$152,300 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 267%
$929/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 114%
276,397
Population
211,921

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
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $744/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $8,928/year.

Median household income is $50,137/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Fontana — common questions

Is Buffalo or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Fontana?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $744/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Fontana?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $50,137/year higher in Fontana.
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 Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Fontana has a cost index of 146 with rent of $1,733/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Fontana details →

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