Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Buffalo is 48% cheaper than Salt Lake City.

$989/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↑ 36%
$48,050/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↑ 56%
$152,300 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$495,700 ↑ 225%
$929/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↑ 50%
276,397
Population
203,888

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
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $354/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $4,248/year.

Median household income is $26,875/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Buffalo or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $354/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $26,875/year higher in Salt Lake City.
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 Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Salt Lake City details →

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