Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Buffalo is 63% cheaper than Scottsdale.

$989/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 93%
$48,050/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 123%
$152,300 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 366%
$929/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↑ 96%
276,397
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $921/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $11,052/year.

Median household income is $59,322/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Buffalo or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $921/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $59,322/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between New York and Arizona?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with rent of $1,910/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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