Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Buffalo, NY (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Buffalo

New York
61

Milwaukee is 10% more expensive than Buffalo.

$1,033/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$989/mo ↓ 4%
$51,888/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$48,050/yr ↓ 7%
$172,000 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$152,300 ↓ 11%
$1,082/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$929/mo ↓ 14%
569,756
Population
276,397

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
10.9%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Buffalo, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,838/year higher in Milwaukee. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $152,300 in Buffalo.

Wisconsin has a lower income tax rate, making Milwaukee slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Buffalo — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Buffalo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Buffalo?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Buffalo it's $989/month — a difference of $44/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Buffalo?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $48,050 in Buffalo. Median household income is $3,838/year higher in Milwaukee.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and New York?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Buffalo?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/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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