Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Buffalo is 57% cheaper than Lakewood.

$989/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 77%
$48,050/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 79%
$152,300 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 260%
$929/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 86%
276,397
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $757/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $9,084/year.

Median household income is $37,739/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Lakewood slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Buffalo or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Lakewood?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $757/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Lakewood?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $37,739/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between New York and Colorado?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

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