Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Buffalo is 42% cheaper than Manchester.

$989/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↑ 48%
$48,050/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↑ 61%
$152,300 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$336,300 ↑ 121%
$929/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↑ 67%
276,397
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $476/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $5,712/year.

Median household income is $29,365/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Manchester — common questions

Is Buffalo or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Manchester?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $476/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Manchester?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $29,365/year higher in Manchester.
How do taxes compare between New York and New Hampshire?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Manchester has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,465/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Manchester details →

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