Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Gilbert, AZ (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Gilbert

Arizona
148

Buffalo is 87% cheaper than Gilbert.

$989/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$2,028/mo ↑ 105%
$48,050/yr ↓ 60%
Median Income
$121,351/yr ↑ 153%
$152,300 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$518,600 ↑ 241%
$929/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$1,908/mo ↑ 105%
276,397
Population
271,118

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.0%
Sales Tax
5.6%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Gilbert, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,039/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $12,468/year.

Median household income is $73,301/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $518,600 in Gilbert.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Gilbert slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Gilbert — common questions

Is Buffalo or Gilbert cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Gilbert?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Gilbert it's $2,028/month — a difference of $1,039/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Gilbert?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $121,351 in Gilbert. Median household income is $73,301/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between New York and Arizona?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Gilbert?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with rent of $2,028/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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