Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Tacoma, WA (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Buffalo is 52% cheaper than Tacoma.

$989/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↑ 61%
$48,050/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↑ 75%
$152,300 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$454,600 ↑ 198%
$929/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↑ 88%
276,397
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $608/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $7,296/year.

Median household income is $35,807/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Buffalo or Tacoma 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 Tacoma?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $608/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Tacoma?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $35,807/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between New York and Washington?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Tacoma details →

More Comparisons

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