Median rent is 40% lower in Buffalo ($989/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Buffalo, where the median home runs $152,300 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $48,050 a year). Taken together, Buffalo is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 94.0 against 98.8 — about 5% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
Buffalo is 5% cheaper overall
Cost index: 94.0 in Buffalo vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Buffalo, NY
How much would you need to earn in Buffalo, NY to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Buffalo, NY
$71,344
You could earn $3,656 less (5% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Austin
Texas
Buffalo
New York
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Buffalo — median rent of $989/mo versus $1,655/mo in Austin, a 40% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $152,300 in Buffalo — 70% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while New York tops out at 10.90% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 4.00% in New York; Buffalo has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Buffalo
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Buffalo has cleaner air on average: 20.0 AQI (Good) compared to 47.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Buffalo if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 94.0 vs 98.8).
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick Buffalo if you prioritize cheaper rent ($989/mo median).
Pick Buffalo if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 20.0).
Is Austin cheaper than Buffalo?
Buffalo is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 94.0 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 5% lower in Buffalo.
How much is rent in Austin vs Buffalo?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $989/mo in Buffalo, NY. Buffalo, NY has the lower rent by about 40%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Buffalo?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $48,050 in Buffalo, NY. Austin, TX has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Buffalo, NY has better air quality on average: 20.0 AQI versus 47.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Austin or Buffalo?
Texas has no state income tax. New York has a top rate of 10.90%.
What salary do I need in Buffalo to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $95,126 in Buffalo, NY (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology