Buffalo vs Chicago: cost of living compared
Chicago is 44% more expensive than Buffalo overall. State income tax tops out around 4.95% in IL vs 6.5% in NY.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Moving from Chicago to Buffalo generally means a substantial reduction in overall expenses. The cost of living in Buffalo is noticeably lower, driven primarily by significantly more affordable housing. While many everyday costs are also cheaper in Buffalo, the difference in housing prices creates the largest gap in a household budget between these two distinct urban environments.
Housing
Housing in Buffalo is considerably more affordable than in Chicago, whether you are looking to buy or rent. Median home prices are much lower in Buffalo, and a typical one-bedroom apartment rents for significantly less. While property taxes and insurance costs vary, the initial outlay for housing in Buffalo is a fraction of what you would expect in Chicago, making homeownership more accessible.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses for transportation, groceries, and healthcare are generally lower in Buffalo compared to Chicago. Utility costs are roughly similar between the two metros. However, Illinois has a lower state income tax rate than New York, which could offset some of the daily savings for higher earners in Chicago. Commute times are also typically shorter in Buffalo.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, a move reveals distinct lifestyle differences. Buffalo experiences colder, snowier winters, while Chicago has a more varied climate with lake-effect weather. Chicago offers extensive public transit and a dense, fast-paced urban environment. Buffalo is more car-dependent, though it has a more relaxed pace and a less crowded feel, offering a different urban experience.
Bottom line
For those considering a move, Buffalo offers a compelling opportunity for a much lower cost of living, particularly in housing, which can free up substantial funds. While Chicago's lower state income tax and extensive amenities are appealing, the overall financial burden is considerably higher. Your budget will stretch much further in Buffalo, impacting your financial outlook significantly.
| Measure | Buffalo, NY | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 82 | 118 |
| Housing index | 59 | 97 |
| Transportation index | 82 | 121 |
| Food index | 90 | 105 |
| Healthcare index | 92 | 108 |
| Utilities index | 105 | 102 |
| Misc index | 80 | 108 |
| Median home price | $198,000 | $318,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $975/mo | $1,650/mo |
| Average commute | 23 min | 34 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Chicago home with the True Cost Calculator.