Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Buffalo, NY (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Buffalo

New York
61

Tampa is 85% more expensive than Buffalo.

$1,567/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$989/mo ↓ 37%
$71,302/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$48,050/yr ↓ 33%
$375,300 ↑ 146%
Home Value
$152,300 ↓ 59%
$1,553/mo ↑ 67%
Owner Costs
$929/mo ↓ 40%
393,389
Population
276,397

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
10.9%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Buffalo, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $578/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $6,936/year.

Median household income is $23,252/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $152,300 in Buffalo.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Tampa residents a significant tax advantage over New York's 10.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Buffalo — common questions

Is Tampa or Buffalo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Buffalo?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Buffalo it's $989/month — a difference of $578/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Buffalo?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $48,050 in Buffalo. Median household income is $23,252/year higher in Tampa.
How do taxes compare between Florida and New York?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Buffalo?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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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