Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Buffalo, NY (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Buffalo

New York
61

Chicago is 64% more expensive than Buffalo.

$1,380/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$989/mo ↓ 28%
$75,134/yr ↑ 56%
Median Income
$48,050/yr ↓ 36%
$315,200 ↑ 107%
Home Value
$152,300 ↓ 52%
$1,502/mo ↑ 62%
Owner Costs
$929/mo ↓ 38%
2,707,648
Population
276,397

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
10.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Buffalo, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $391/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $4,692/year.

Median household income is $27,084/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $152,300 in Buffalo.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Chicago slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Buffalo — common questions

Is Chicago or Buffalo 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 Chicago and Buffalo?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Buffalo it's $989/month — a difference of $391/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Buffalo?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $48,050 in Buffalo. Median household income is $27,084/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and New York?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Buffalo?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with rent of $989/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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