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

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Buffalo is 27% cheaper than Odessa.

$989/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↑ 34%
$48,050/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↑ 52%
$152,300 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$208,000 ↑ 37%
$929/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 35%
276,397
Population
114,080

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
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $333/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $3,996/year.

Median household income is $24,980/year higher in Odessa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Odessa — common questions

Is Buffalo or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Odessa?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $333/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Odessa?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $24,980/year higher in Odessa.
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 Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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