Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL vs Buffalo, NY (2026)

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Buffalo

New York
61

Jacksonville is 51% more expensive than Buffalo.

$1,375/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$989/mo ↓ 28%
$66,981/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$48,050/yr ↓ 28%
$266,100 ↑ 75%
Home Value
$152,300 ↓ 43%
$1,324/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$929/mo ↓ 30%
961,739
Population
276,397

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
10.9%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Buffalo, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $386/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $4,632/year.

Median household income is $18,931/year higher in Jacksonville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $152,300 in Buffalo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Buffalo — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Buffalo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 92 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Buffalo?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Buffalo it's $989/month — a difference of $386/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Buffalo?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $48,050 in Buffalo. Median household income is $18,931/year higher in Jacksonville.
How do taxes compare between Florida and New York?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Jacksonville or Buffalo?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/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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