Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Providence, RI (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Buffalo is 38% cheaper than Providence.

$989/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↑ 35%
$48,050/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↑ 39%
$152,300 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$322,800 ↑ 112%
$929/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↑ 58%
276,397
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
5.99%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $344/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $4,128/year.

Median household income is $18,722/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

Rhode Island has a lower income tax rate, making Providence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Providence — common questions

Is Buffalo or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Providence?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $344/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Providence?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $18,722/year higher in Providence.
How do taxes compare between New York and Rhode Island?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Providence has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,333/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Providence details →

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