Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Buffalo is 21% cheaper than Lafayette.

$989/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↑ 8%
$48,050/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↑ 28%
$152,300 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$251,300 ↑ 65%
$929/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↑ 14%
276,397
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $76/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $912/year.

Median household income is $13,404/year higher in Lafayette. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Lafayette slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Buffalo or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Lafayette?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $76/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Lafayette?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $13,404/year higher in Lafayette.
How do taxes compare between New York and Louisiana?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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