Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Reno, NV (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Reno

Nevada
122

Buffalo is 61% cheaper than Reno.

$989/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,453/mo ↑ 47%
$48,050/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$78,448/yr ↑ 63%
$152,300 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$498,600 ↑ 227%
$929/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,482/mo ↑ 60%
276,397
Population
268,959

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
Sales Tax
6.85%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Reno, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $464/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $5,568/year.

Median household income is $30,398/year higher in Reno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $498,600 in Reno.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Reno residents a significant tax advantage over New York's 10.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Reno — common questions

Is Buffalo or Reno cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Reno?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Reno it's $1,453/month — a difference of $464/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Reno?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $78,448 in Reno. Median household income is $30,398/year higher in Reno.
How do taxes compare between New York and Nevada?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Reno?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Reno has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,453/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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