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

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Rancho Cucamonga

California
182

Buffalo is 66% cheaper than Rancho Cucamonga.

$989/mo ↓ 57%
Median Rent
$2,286/mo ↑ 131%
$48,050/yr ↓ 56%
Median Income
$109,511/yr ↑ 128%
$152,300 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$694,400 ↑ 356%
$929/mo ↓ 60%
Owner Costs
$2,324/mo ↑ 150%
276,397
Population
174,693

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
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Rancho Cucamonga, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 182 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,297/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $15,564/year.

Median household income is $61,461/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $694,400 in Rancho Cucamonga.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Rancho Cucamonga — common questions

Is Buffalo or Rancho Cucamonga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Rancho Cucamonga?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Rancho Cucamonga it's $2,286/month — a difference of $1,297/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Rancho Cucamonga?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $109,511 in Rancho Cucamonga. Median household income is $61,461/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga.
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 Rancho Cucamonga?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Rancho Cucamonga has a cost index of 182 with rent of $2,286/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Rancho Cucamonga details →

More Comparisons

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