Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Buffalo, NY (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Buffalo

New York
61

St. Paul is 49% more expensive than Buffalo.

$1,248/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$989/mo ↓ 21%
$73,055/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$48,050/yr ↓ 34%
$280,300 ↑ 84%
Home Value
$152,300 ↓ 46%
$1,390/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$929/mo ↓ 33%
307,762
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

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Buffalo, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $259/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $3,108/year.

Median household income is $25,005/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $152,300 in Buffalo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Buffalo — common questions

Is St. Paul or Buffalo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Buffalo?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Buffalo it's $989/month — a difference of $259/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Buffalo?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $48,050 in Buffalo. Median household income is $25,005/year higher in St. Paul.
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 St. Paul or Buffalo?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/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 St. Paul details → View Buffalo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Buffalo

St. Paul vs. Irvine St. Paul vs. Newark St. Paul vs. Cincinnati St. Paul vs. Pittsburgh St. Paul vs. Santa Ana St. Paul vs. Greensboro Buffalo vs. Chandler Buffalo vs. Madison Buffalo vs. Plano Buffalo vs. Chula Vista Buffalo vs. Durham Buffalo vs. Gilbert