Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Hampton, VA (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Hampton

Virginia
88

Buffalo is 31% cheaper than Hampton.

$989/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,346/mo ↑ 36%
$48,050/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$67,758/yr ↑ 41%
$152,300 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$234,100 ↑ 54%
$929/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,347/mo ↑ 45%
276,397
Population
137,334

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
5.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Hampton, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $357/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $4,284/year.

Median household income is $19,708/year higher in Hampton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $234,100 in Hampton.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Hampton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Hampton — common questions

Is Buffalo or Hampton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Hampton?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Hampton it's $1,346/month — a difference of $357/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Hampton?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $67,758 in Hampton. Median household income is $19,708/year higher in Hampton.
How do taxes compare between New York and Virginia?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Hampton?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Hampton has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,346/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Hampton details →

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