Cost of Living: Dallas, TX vs Buffalo, NY (2026)

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Buffalo

New York
61

Dallas is 59% more expensive than Buffalo.

$1,403/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$989/mo ↓ 30%
$67,760/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$48,050/yr ↓ 29%
$295,300 ↑ 94%
Home Value
$152,300 ↓ 48%
$1,409/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$929/mo ↓ 34%
1,299,553
Population
276,397

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
10.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Buffalo, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $414/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $4,968/year.

Median household income is $19,710/year higher in Dallas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $152,300 in Buffalo.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Dallas residents a significant tax advantage over New York's 10.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Buffalo — common questions

Is Dallas or Buffalo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Buffalo?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Buffalo it's $989/month — a difference of $414/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Buffalo?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $48,050 in Buffalo. Median household income is $19,710/year higher in Dallas.
How do taxes compare between Texas and New York?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Dallas or Buffalo?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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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