Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Buffalo, NY (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Buffalo

New York
61

Lexington is 34% more expensive than Buffalo.

$1,101/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$989/mo ↓ 10%
$67,631/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$48,050/yr ↓ 29%
$272,100 ↑ 79%
Home Value
$152,300 ↓ 44%
$1,160/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$929/mo ↓ 20%
321,122
Population
276,397

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
10.9%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Buffalo, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $112/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $1,344/year.

Median household income is $19,581/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $152,300 in Buffalo.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Lexington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Buffalo — common questions

Is Lexington or Buffalo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Buffalo?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Buffalo it's $989/month — a difference of $112/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Buffalo?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $48,050 in Buffalo. Median household income is $19,581/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and New York?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Buffalo?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/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 Lexington details → View Buffalo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lexington and Buffalo

Lexington vs. Henderson Lexington vs. Stockton Lexington vs. Anaheim Lexington vs. Corpus Christi Lexington vs. Honolulu Lexington vs. Riverside Buffalo vs. Chandler Buffalo vs. Madison Buffalo vs. Plano Buffalo vs. Chula Vista Buffalo vs. Durham Buffalo vs. Gilbert