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

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Buffalo and Peoria have a similar cost of living.

$989/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 4%
$48,050/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↑ 22%
$152,300 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 2%
$929/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↑ 8%
276,397
Population
112,126

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
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $10,666/year higher in Peoria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Peoria — common questions

Is Buffalo or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 61 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Peoria?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $38/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Peoria?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $10,666/year higher in Peoria.
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 Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Peoria details →

More Comparisons

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