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

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Ontario

California
152

Buffalo is 60% cheaper than Ontario.

$989/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 94%
$48,050/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↑ 72%
$152,300 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 273%
$929/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 112%
276,397
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $927/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $11,124/year.

Median household income is $34,756/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Ontario — common questions

Is Buffalo or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Ontario?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $927/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Ontario?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $34,756/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

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