Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Modesto, CA (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Modesto

California
120

Buffalo is 49% cheaper than Modesto.

$989/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 63%
$48,050/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 62%
$152,300 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 173%
$929/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 74%
276,397
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $620/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $7,440/year.

Median household income is $29,849/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

New York has a lower income tax rate, making Buffalo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Modesto — common questions

Is Buffalo or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Modesto?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $620/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Modesto?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $29,849/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between New York and California?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Buffalo and Modesto

Buffalo vs. Chandler Buffalo vs. Madison Buffalo vs. Plano Buffalo vs. Chula Vista Buffalo vs. Durham Buffalo vs. Gilbert Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley