Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Sugar Land, TX (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Buffalo is 55% cheaper than Sugar Land.

$989/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 96%
$48,050/yr ↓ 65%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 186%
$152,300 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$406,600 ↑ 167%
$929/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↑ 112%
276,397
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $950/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $11,400/year.

Median household income is $89,461/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Sugar Land residents a significant tax advantage over New York's 10.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Buffalo or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $950/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $89,461/year higher in Sugar Land.
How do taxes compare between New York and Texas?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Sugar Land has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,939/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Sugar Land details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Buffalo and Sugar Land

Buffalo vs. Chandler Buffalo vs. Madison Buffalo vs. Plano Buffalo vs. Chula Vista Buffalo vs. Durham Buffalo vs. Gilbert Sugar Land vs. Santa Maria Sugar Land vs. Greeley Sugar Land vs. Ventura Sugar Land vs. South Fulton Sugar Land vs. Temecula Sugar Land vs. Sparks