Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Buffalo, NY (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Buffalo

New York
61

Denver is 141% more expensive than Buffalo.

$1,770/mo ↑ 79%
Median Rent
$989/mo ↓ 44%
$91,681/yr ↑ 91%
Median Income
$48,050/yr ↓ 48%
$586,700 ↑ 285%
Home Value
$152,300 ↓ 74%
$1,839/mo ↑ 98%
Owner Costs
$929/mo ↓ 49%
713,734
Population
276,397

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
10.9%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Buffalo, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $781/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $9,372/year.

Median household income is $43,631/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $152,300 in Buffalo.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Buffalo — common questions

Is Denver or Buffalo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Buffalo?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Buffalo it's $989/month — a difference of $781/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Buffalo?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $48,050 in Buffalo. Median household income is $43,631/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and New York?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Buffalo?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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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