Cost of Living: San Francisco, CA vs Buffalo, NY (2026)

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Buffalo

New York
61

San Francisco is 338% more expensive than Buffalo.

$2,419/mo ↑ 145%
Median Rent
$989/mo ↓ 59%
$141,446/yr ↑ 194%
Median Income
$48,050/yr ↓ 66%
$1,380,500 ↑ 806%
Home Value
$152,300 ↓ 89%
$2,620/mo ↑ 182%
Owner Costs
$929/mo ↓ 65%
836,321
Population
276,397

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
10.9%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Buffalo, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,430/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $17,160/year.

Median household income is $93,396/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $152,300 in Buffalo.

New York has a lower income tax rate, making Buffalo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Buffalo — common questions

Is San Francisco or Buffalo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Buffalo?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Buffalo it's $989/month — a difference of $1,430/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Buffalo?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $48,050 in Buffalo. Median household income is $93,396/year higher in San Francisco.
How do taxes compare between California and New York?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to San Francisco or Buffalo?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 San Francisco details → View Buffalo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Francisco and Buffalo

San Francisco vs. Indianapolis San Francisco vs. Seattle San Francisco vs. Charlotte San Francisco vs. Denver San Francisco vs. Columbus San Francisco vs. Oklahoma City Buffalo vs. Chandler Buffalo vs. Madison Buffalo vs. Plano Buffalo vs. Chula Vista Buffalo vs. Durham Buffalo vs. Gilbert