Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Madison, WI (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

Buffalo is 42% cheaper than Madison.

$989/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 38%
$48,050/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$76,983/yr ↑ 60%
$152,300 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$346,900 ↑ 128%
$929/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ↑ 59%
276,397
Population
275,568

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
7.65%
4.0%
Sales Tax
5.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $375/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $4,500/year.

Median household income is $28,933/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

Wisconsin has a lower income tax rate, making Madison slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Madison — common questions

Is Buffalo or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Madison?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $375/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Madison?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $28,933/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between New York and Wisconsin?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Madison has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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