Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Buffalo, NY (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Buffalo

New York
61

Columbus is 36% more expensive than Buffalo.

$1,224/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$989/mo ↓ 19%
$65,327/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$48,050/yr ↓ 26%
$234,500 ↑ 54%
Home Value
$152,300 ↓ 35%
$1,243/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$929/mo ↓ 25%
906,480
Population
276,397

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
10.9%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Buffalo, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $235/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $2,820/year.

Median household income is $17,277/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $152,300 in Buffalo.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Columbus slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Buffalo — common questions

Is Columbus or Buffalo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Buffalo?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Buffalo it's $989/month — a difference of $235/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Buffalo?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $48,050 in Buffalo. Median household income is $17,277/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and New York?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Buffalo?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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.
View Columbus details → View Buffalo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbus and Buffalo

Columbus vs. Fort Worth Columbus vs. Charlotte Columbus vs. Jacksonville Columbus vs. Indianapolis Columbus vs. Austin Columbus vs. San Francisco Buffalo vs. Chandler Buffalo vs. Madison Buffalo vs. Plano Buffalo vs. Chula Vista Buffalo vs. Durham Buffalo vs. Gilbert