Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Buffalo, NY (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Buffalo

New York
61

Durham is 72% more expensive than Buffalo.

$1,412/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$989/mo ↓ 30%
$79,234/yr ↑ 65%
Median Income
$48,050/yr ↓ 39%
$355,300 ↑ 133%
Home Value
$152,300 ↓ 57%
$1,434/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$929/mo ↓ 35%
288,465
Population
276,397

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
10.9%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Buffalo, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $423/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $5,076/year.

Median household income is $31,184/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $152,300 in Buffalo.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Durham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Buffalo — common questions

Is Durham or Buffalo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Buffalo?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Buffalo it's $989/month — a difference of $423/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Buffalo?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $48,050 in Buffalo. Median household income is $31,184/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and New York?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Buffalo?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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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