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

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Midland

Texas
99

Buffalo is 38% cheaper than Midland.

$989/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 42%
$48,050/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$91,169/yr ↑ 90%
$152,300 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$298,600 ↑ 96%
$929/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,468/mo ↑ 58%
276,397
Population
133,998

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
18.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Midland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $418/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $5,016/year.

Median household income is $43,119/year higher in Midland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $298,600 in Midland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Midland — common questions

Is Buffalo or Midland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Midland?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Midland it's $1,407/month — a difference of $418/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Midland?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $91,169 in Midland. Median household income is $43,119/year higher in Midland.
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 Midland?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Midland has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Midland details →

More Comparisons

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