Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Montgomery, AL (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Buffalo is 5% cheaper than Montgomery.

$989/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↑ 7%
$48,050/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↑ 16%
$152,300 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 2%
$929/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↑ 10%
276,397
Population
198,440

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $70/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $840/year.

Median household income is $7,637/year higher in Montgomery. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Montgomery slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Buffalo or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 64 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Montgomery?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $70/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Montgomery?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $7,637/year higher in Montgomery.
How do taxes compare between New York and Alabama?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with rent of $1,059/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Montgomery details →

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