Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Buffalo and Springfield have a similar cost of living.

$989/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 4%
$48,050/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↑ 36%
$152,300 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$155,200 ↑ 2%
$929/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↑ 5%
276,397
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $17,487/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Springfield — common questions

Is Buffalo or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 61 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Springfield?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $44/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Springfield?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $17,487/year higher in Springfield.
How do taxes compare between New York and Illinois?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Buffalo and Springfield

Buffalo vs. Chandler Buffalo vs. Madison Buffalo vs. Plano Buffalo vs. Chula Vista Buffalo vs. Durham Buffalo vs. Gilbert Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces