Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs San Bernardino, CA (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Buffalo is 44% cheaper than San Bernardino.

$989/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↑ 45%
$48,050/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↑ 33%
$152,300 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$384,900 ↑ 153%
$929/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↑ 59%
276,397
Population
221,774

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
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $444/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $5,328/year.

Median household income is $15,938/year higher in San Bernardino. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Buffalo or San Bernardino cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $444/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $15,938/year higher in San Bernardino.
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 San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,433/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View San Bernardino details →

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