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

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Rochester

New York
61

Buffalo and Rochester have a similar cost of living.

$989/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,039/mo ↑ 5%
$48,050/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$46,628/yr ↓ 3%
$152,300 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$120,600 ↓ 21%
$929/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,009/mo ↑ 9%
276,397
Population
209,720

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
10.9%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Rochester, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $50/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $600/year.

Median household income is $1,422/year higher in Buffalo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $120,600 in Rochester.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in New York.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Rochester — common questions

Is Buffalo or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 61 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Rochester?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Rochester it's $1,039/month — a difference of $50/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Rochester?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $46,628 in Rochester. Median household income is $1,422/year higher in Buffalo.
How do taxes compare between New York and New York?
Both cities are in New York and share the same state tax rates: 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% 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 61 with rent of $1,039/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Rochester details →

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