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

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

McKinney

Texas
138

Buffalo is 56% cheaper than McKinney.

$989/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$1,841/mo ↑ 86%
$48,050/yr ↓ 60%
Median Income
$120,273/yr ↑ 150%
$152,300 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$439,500 ↑ 189%
$929/mo ↓ 56%
Owner Costs
$2,101/mo ↑ 126%
276,397
Population
202,314

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
18.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and McKinney, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $852/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $10,224/year.

Median household income is $72,223/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $439,500 in McKinney.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs McKinney — common questions

Is Buffalo or McKinney cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and McKinney?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in McKinney it's $1,841/month — a difference of $852/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or McKinney?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $120,273 in McKinney. Median household income is $72,223/year higher in McKinney.
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 McKinney?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while McKinney has a cost index of 138 with rent of $1,841/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View McKinney details →

More Comparisons

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