Median rent is 28% lower in Buffalo ($989/mo vs $1,380/mo). Buying is cheaper in Buffalo, where the median home runs $152,300 versus $315,200. Households earn more in Chicago ($75,134 vs $48,050 a year). Taken together, Buffalo is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 94.0 against 105.7 — about 11% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Chicago, IL.
Quick verdict
Buffalo is 11% cheaper overall
Cost index: 94.0 in Buffalo vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Buffalo, NY
City B
Chicago, IL
How much would you need to earn in Chicago, IL to maintain your standard of living from Buffalo, NY?
Equivalent salary in Chicago, IL
$84,345
You'd need $9,345 more (12% higher).
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
Buffalo
New York
Chicago
Illinois
👥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 $1,380/mo in Chicago, a 28% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Chicago: the median home is $315,200 versus $152,300 in Buffalo — 52% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
New York's top income tax rate is 10.90% versus 4.95% in Illinois, so Chicago is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.00% in New York and 6.25% in Illinois; Buffalo has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Buffalo
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Both cities have similar air quality: Buffalo averages 20.0 AQI (Good) and Chicago averages 21.0 AQI (Good).
Pick Buffalo if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 94.0 vs 105.7).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize higher median household income ($75,134/yr).
Pick Buffalo if you prioritize cheaper rent ($989/mo median).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.95%).
Is Buffalo cheaper than Chicago?
Buffalo is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 94.0 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 11% lower in Buffalo.
How much is rent in Buffalo vs Chicago?
Median rent is $989/mo in Buffalo, NY and $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL. Buffalo, NY has the lower rent by about 28%.
Which has higher salaries — Buffalo or Chicago?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo, NY and $75,134 in Chicago, IL. Chicago, IL 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 21.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Buffalo or Chicago?
New York's top income tax rate is 10.90% and Illinois's is 4.95%. Chicago, IL has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Chicago to match my Buffalo income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Buffalo, NY is equivalent to roughly $112,460 in Chicago, IL (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