Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Kent, WA (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Buffalo is 58% cheaper than Kent.

$989/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 85%
$48,050/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 88%
$152,300 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 253%
$929/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 106%
276,397
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $844/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $10,128/year.

Median household income is $42,366/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over New York's 10.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Kent — common questions

Is Buffalo or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Kent?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $844/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Kent?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $42,366/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between New York and Washington?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Kent details →

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