Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN vs Buffalo, NY (2026)

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

Buffalo

New York
61

Minneapolis is 67% more expensive than Buffalo.

$1,329/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$989/mo ↓ 26%
$80,269/yr ↑ 67%
Median Income
$48,050/yr ↓ 40%
$345,600 ↑ 127%
Home Value
$152,300 ↓ 56%
$1,513/mo ↑ 63%
Owner Costs
$929/mo ↓ 39%
426,845
Population
276,397

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
10.9%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.11%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

19.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and Buffalo, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $340/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $4,080/year.

Median household income is $32,219/year higher in Minneapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $152,300 in Buffalo.

Minnesota has a lower income tax rate, making Minneapolis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs Buffalo — common questions

Is Minneapolis or Buffalo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and Buffalo?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in Buffalo it's $989/month — a difference of $340/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or Buffalo?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $48,050 in Buffalo. Median household income is $32,219/year higher in Minneapolis.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and New York?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Minneapolis or Buffalo?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/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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