Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Buffalo is 41% cheaper than Worcester.

$989/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↑ 43%
$48,050/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↑ 41%
$152,300 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$339,500 ↑ 123%
$929/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↑ 64%
276,397
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $426/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $5,112/year.

Median household income is $19,494/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Worcester slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Worcester — common questions

Is Buffalo or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Worcester?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $426/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Worcester?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $19,494/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between New York and Massachusetts?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Worcester has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,415/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Worcester details →

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