Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Lehigh Acres, FL (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Lehigh Acres

Florida
95

Buffalo is 36% cheaper than Lehigh Acres.

$989/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,496/mo ↑ 51%
$48,050/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$62,330/yr ↑ 30%
$152,300 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$263,200 ↑ 73%
$929/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,330/mo ↑ 43%
276,397
Population
127,391

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Lehigh Acres, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $507/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $6,084/year.

Median household income is $14,280/year higher in Lehigh Acres. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $263,200 in Lehigh Acres.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Lehigh Acres — common questions

Is Buffalo or Lehigh Acres cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Lehigh Acres?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Lehigh Acres it's $1,496/month — a difference of $507/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Lehigh Acres?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $62,330 in Lehigh Acres. Median household income is $14,280/year higher in Lehigh Acres.
How do taxes compare between New York and Florida?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Lehigh Acres?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Lehigh Acres has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,496/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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