Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Buffalo is 39% cheaper than Wilmington.

$989/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 33%
$48,050/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↑ 33%
$152,300 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 130%
$929/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 48%
276,397
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $322/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $3,864/year.

Median household income is $15,850/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Buffalo or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Wilmington?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $322/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Wilmington?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $15,850/year higher in Wilmington.
How do taxes compare between New York and North Carolina?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Wilmington details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Buffalo and Wilmington

Buffalo vs. Chandler Buffalo vs. Madison Buffalo vs. Plano Buffalo vs. Chula Vista Buffalo vs. Durham Buffalo vs. Gilbert Wilmington vs. Spring Hill Wilmington vs. Billings Wilmington vs. West Palm Beach Wilmington vs. Richardson Wilmington vs. Hartford Wilmington vs. Cambridge