Median rent is 18% lower in Buffalo ($1,046/mo vs $1,281/mo). Buying is cheaper in Buffalo, where the median home runs $164,200 versus $294,500. Households earn more in St. Paul ($73,394 vs $50,041 a year). Taken together, Buffalo is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 94.9 against 104.3 — about 9% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in St. Paul, MN.
Cost of living verdict
Buffalo is 9% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 94.9 in Buffalo vs 104.3 in St. Paul (US national average = 100)
City A
Buffalo, NY
City B
St. Paul, MN
How much would you need to earn in St. Paul, MN to maintain your standard of living from Buffalo, NY?
Equivalent salary in St. Paul, MN
$82,412
You'd need $7,412 more (10% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Buffalo
New York
St. Paul
Minnesota
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: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Buffalo at $1,046/mo compared to $1,281/mo in St. Paul (18% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in St. Paul: the median home is $294,500 versus $164,200 in Buffalo — 44% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Buffalo
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
St. Paul
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Both cities have similar air quality: Buffalo averages 54.0 AQI (Moderate) and St. Paul averages 55.0 AQI (Moderate).
Pick Buffalo if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 94.9 vs 104.3).
Pick St. Paul if you prioritize higher median household income ($73,394/yr).
Pick Buffalo if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,046/mo median).
Is Buffalo cheaper than St. Paul?
Buffalo is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 94.9 versus 104.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 9% lower in Buffalo.
How much is rent in Buffalo vs St. Paul?
Median rent is $1,046/mo in Buffalo, NY and $1,281/mo in St. Paul, MN. Buffalo, NY has the lower rent by about 18%.
Which has higher salaries — Buffalo or St. Paul?
Median household income is $50,041 in Buffalo, NY and $73,394 in St. Paul, MN. St. Paul, MN 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: 54.0 AQI versus 55.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Buffalo or St. Paul?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in St. Paul to match my Buffalo income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Buffalo, NY is equivalent to roughly $109,883 in St. Paul, MN (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
