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

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Buffalo is 15% cheaper than Waco.

$989/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↑ 11%
$48,050/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↑ 7%
$152,300 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$199,600 ↑ 31%
$929/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↑ 18%
276,397
Population
141,925

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $109/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $1,308/year.

Median household income is $3,418/year higher in Waco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Waco — common questions

Is Buffalo or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 72 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Waco?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $109/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Waco?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $3,418/year higher in Waco.
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 Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Waco has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,098/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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