Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Buffalo is 49% cheaper than West Palm Beach.

$989/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 73%
$48,050/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↑ 44%
$152,300 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$369,800 ↑ 143%
$929/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 79%
276,397
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $720/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $8,640/year.

Median household income is $21,211/year higher in West Palm Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over New York's 10.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Buffalo or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $720/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $21,211/year higher in West Palm Beach.
How do taxes compare between New York and Florida?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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