Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Buffalo is 59% cheaper than Naperville.

$989/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 87%
$48,050/yr ↓ 68%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 214%
$152,300 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 235%
$929/mo ↓ 57%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 133%
276,397
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $863/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $10,356/year.

Median household income is $102,887/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Naperville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Naperville — common questions

Is Buffalo or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Naperville?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $863/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Naperville?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $102,887/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between New York and Illinois?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Naperville has a cost index of 147 with rent of $1,852/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

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