Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Norman, OK (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Norman

Oklahoma
76

Buffalo is 20% cheaper than Norman.

$989/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,064/mo ↑ 8%
$48,050/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$65,060/yr ↑ 35%
$152,300 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$239,300 ↑ 57%
$929/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,121/mo ↑ 21%
276,397
Population
128,714

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
4.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Norman, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $75/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $900/year.

Median household income is $17,010/year higher in Norman. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $239,300 in Norman.

Oklahoma has a lower income tax rate, making Norman slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Norman — common questions

Is Buffalo or Norman cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Norman?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Norman it's $1,064/month — a difference of $75/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Norman?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $65,060 in Norman. Median household income is $17,010/year higher in Norman.
How do taxes compare between New York and Oklahoma?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Norman?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Norman has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,064/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Norman details →

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