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

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Buffalo is 52% cheaper than Surprise.

$989/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 94%
$48,050/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 94%
$152,300 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 160%
$929/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 71%
276,397
Population
149,519

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
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $928/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $11,136/year.

Median household income is $45,321/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Surprise — common questions

Is Buffalo or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Surprise?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $928/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Surprise?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $45,321/year higher in Surprise.
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 Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Buffalo and Surprise

Buffalo vs. Chandler Buffalo vs. Madison Buffalo vs. Plano Buffalo vs. Chula Vista Buffalo vs. Durham Buffalo vs. Gilbert Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite