Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Buffalo is 34% cheaper than Rochester.

$989/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 33%
$48,050/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 83%
$152,300 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 89%
$929/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 43%
276,397
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
9.85%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $327/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $3,924/year.

Median household income is $39,717/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Minnesota has a lower income tax rate, making Rochester slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Rochester — common questions

Is Buffalo or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Rochester?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $327/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Rochester?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $39,717/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between New York and Minnesota?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Rochester details →

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