Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Toledo, OH (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Toledo

Ohio
52

Buffalo is 17% more expensive than Toledo.

$989/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$880/mo ↓ 11%
$48,050/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$47,532/yr ↓ 1%
$152,300 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$107,000 ↓ 30%
$929/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$856/mo ↓ 8%
276,397
Population
268,461

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
3.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Toledo, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 52 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $109/month cheaper in Toledo, saving renters about $1,308/year.

Median household income is $518/year higher in Buffalo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $107,000 in Toledo.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Toledo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Toledo — common questions

Is Buffalo or Toledo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Toledo is cheaper to live in with an index of 52 compared to 61 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Toledo?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Toledo it's $880/month — a difference of $109/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Toledo?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $47,532 in Toledo. Median household income is $518/year higher in Buffalo.
How do taxes compare between New York and Ohio?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Toledo?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Toledo has a cost index of 52 with rent of $880/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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