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

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Buffalo is 23% cheaper than Springfield.

$989/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↑ 13%
$48,050/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↑ 7%
$152,300 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$222,700 ↑ 46%
$929/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↑ 37%
276,397
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $125/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $1,500/year.

Median household income is $3,289/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

Massachusetts 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, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Springfield?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $125/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Springfield?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $3,289/year higher in Springfield.
How do taxes compare between New York and Massachusetts?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% 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 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Springfield details →

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