Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Buffalo, NY (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Buffalo

New York
61

Fresno is 66% more expensive than Buffalo.

$1,324/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$989/mo ↓ 25%
$66,804/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$48,050/yr ↓ 28%
$348,500 ↑ 129%
Home Value
$152,300 ↓ 56%
$1,391/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$929/mo ↓ 33%
543,615
Population
276,397

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
10.9%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Buffalo, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $335/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $4,020/year.

Median household income is $18,754/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $152,300 in Buffalo.

New York has a lower income tax rate, making Buffalo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Buffalo — common questions

Is Fresno or Buffalo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Buffalo?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Buffalo it's $989/month — a difference of $335/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Buffalo?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $48,050 in Buffalo. Median household income is $18,754/year higher in Fresno.
How do taxes compare between California and New York?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Buffalo?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Buffalo details →

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