Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Buffalo, NY (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Buffalo

New York
61

Mesa is 75% more expensive than Buffalo.

$1,478/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$989/mo ↓ 33%
$78,779/yr ↑ 64%
Median Income
$48,050/yr ↓ 39%
$364,300 ↑ 139%
Home Value
$152,300 ↓ 58%
$1,404/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$929/mo ↓ 34%
507,478
Population
276,397

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
10.9%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Buffalo, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $489/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $5,868/year.

Median household income is $30,729/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $152,300 in Buffalo.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Buffalo — common questions

Is Mesa or Buffalo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Buffalo?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Buffalo it's $989/month — a difference of $489/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Buffalo?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $48,050 in Buffalo. Median household income is $30,729/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and New York?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Buffalo?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Buffalo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Buffalo

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs Buffalo vs. Chandler Buffalo vs. Madison Buffalo vs. Plano Buffalo vs. Chula Vista Buffalo vs. Durham Buffalo vs. Gilbert