Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Buffalo and Syracuse have a similar cost of living.

$989/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$998/mo ≈ Same
$48,050/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 5%
$152,300 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 18%
$929/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↑ 5%
276,397
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
10.9%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,205/year higher in Buffalo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in New York.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Buffalo or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 61 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Syracuse?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $9/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Syracuse?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $2,205/year higher in Buffalo.
How do taxes compare between New York and New York?
Both cities are in New York and share the same state tax rates: 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with rent of $998/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Syracuse details →

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