Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Provo, UT (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Buffalo is 40% cheaper than Provo.

$989/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↑ 16%
$48,050/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↑ 31%
$152,300 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$437,100 ↑ 187%
$929/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↑ 31%
276,397
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
4.65%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $163/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $1,956/year.

Median household income is $14,750/year higher in Provo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Provo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Provo — common questions

Is Buffalo or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Provo?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $163/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Provo?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $14,750/year higher in Provo.
How do taxes compare between New York and Utah?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Provo details →

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