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

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Pomona

California
143

Buffalo is 57% cheaper than Pomona.

$989/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,738/mo ↑ 76%
$48,050/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$78,869/yr ↑ 64%
$152,300 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$569,600 ↑ 274%
$929/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,758/mo ↑ 89%
276,397
Population
148,391

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
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Pomona, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 143 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $749/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $8,988/year.

Median household income is $30,819/year higher in Pomona. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $569,600 in Pomona.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Pomona — common questions

Is Buffalo or Pomona cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 143 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Pomona?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Pomona it's $1,738/month — a difference of $749/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Pomona?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $78,869 in Pomona. Median household income is $30,819/year higher in Pomona.
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 Pomona?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Pomona has a cost index of 143 with rent of $1,738/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Pomona details →

More Comparisons

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