Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Buffalo is 53% cheaper than Meridian.

$989/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 73%
$48,050/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 105%
$152,300 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 218%
$929/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 73%
276,397
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
5.8%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $725/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $8,700/year.

Median household income is $50,636/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Idaho has a lower income tax rate, making Meridian slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Meridian — common questions

Is Buffalo or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Meridian?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $725/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Meridian?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $50,636/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between New York and Idaho?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Meridian details →

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