Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Yonkers, NY (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Yonkers

New York
133

Buffalo is 54% cheaper than Yonkers.

$989/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,730/mo ↑ 75%
$48,050/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$81,816/yr ↑ 70%
$152,300 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$478,000 ↑ 214%
$929/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,759/mo ↑ 89%
276,397
Population
209,529

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
10.9%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Yonkers, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 133 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $741/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $8,892/year.

Median household income is $33,766/year higher in Yonkers. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $478,000 in Yonkers.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in New York.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Yonkers — common questions

Is Buffalo or Yonkers cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 133 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Yonkers?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Yonkers it's $1,730/month — a difference of $741/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Yonkers?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $81,816 in Yonkers. Median household income is $33,766/year higher in Yonkers.
How do taxes compare between New York and New York?
Both cities are in New York and share the same state tax rates: 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Yonkers?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/mo, while Yonkers has a cost index of 133 with rent of $1,730/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Buffalo details → View Yonkers details →

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