Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Buffalo is 8% cheaper than McAllen.

$989/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↑ 3%
$48,050/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↑ 25%
$152,300 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$173,800 ↑ 14%
$929/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↑ 7%
276,397
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $12,115/year higher in McAllen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs McAllen — common questions

Is Buffalo or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 66 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and McAllen?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $28/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or McAllen?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $12,115/year higher in McAllen.
How do taxes compare between New York and Texas?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while McAllen has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,017/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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