Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Buffalo, NY (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Buffalo

New York
61

Newark is 64% more expensive than Buffalo.

$1,330/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$989/mo ↓ 26%
$48,416/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$48,050/yr ≈ Same
$337,800 ↑ 122%
Home Value
$152,300 ↓ 55%
$1,419/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$929/mo ↓ 35%
307,188
Population
276,397

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
10.9%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Buffalo, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $341/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $4,092/year.

Median household income is $366/year higher in Newark. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $152,300 in Buffalo.

New Jersey has a lower income tax rate, making Newark slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Buffalo — common questions

Is Newark or Buffalo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Buffalo?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Buffalo it's $989/month — a difference of $341/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Buffalo?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $48,050 in Buffalo. Median household income is $366/year higher in Newark.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and New York?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Buffalo?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Buffalo details →

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