Buffalo vs Salt Lake City: cost of living compared
Salt Lake City is 32% more expensive than Buffalo overall. State income tax tops out around 4.65% in UT 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 between Buffalo and Salt Lake City presents a substantial difference in the overall cost of living. Buffalo is noticeably more affordable across the board, with its cost of living index well below the national average. Salt Lake City, while still offering some value, generally exceeds the national average for expenses. The most significant factor driving this disparity is the cost of housing, which is dramatically higher in Salt Lake City compared to Buffalo.
Housing
Housing costs are profoundly different between these two metros. Both buying and renting are considerably more expensive in Salt Lake City. Median home prices in Salt Lake City are several times higher than in Buffalo, and a one-bedroom rental commands a much larger monthly sum. Buffalo typically features older, established housing stock, while Salt Lake City has seen more recent development. Property taxes and insurance costs can also vary, impacting the total cost of homeownership.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses also show a clear distinction. Salt Lake City's state income tax rate is lower than Buffalo's, which could offer some relief for higher earners. However, Buffalo generally offers more affordable prices for groceries, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods and services. Utilities are an exception, being somewhat cheaper in Salt Lake City. Transportation costs are slightly lower in Buffalo, though average commute times are roughly similar in both cities.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, lifestyle differences are notable. Buffalo experiences distinct four seasons with cold, snowy winters, while Salt Lake City has a high-desert climate with hot summers and snowy winters, offering proximity to mountain recreation. Buffalo is a Great Lakes city with a more established, traditional urban feel. Salt Lake City, nestled against the Wasatch Front, offers a different pace and access to outdoor activities. Both cities have public transit options, but personal vehicles are common for getting around.
Bottom line
For those considering a move, the financial implications are clear: Buffalo offers a significantly more budget-friendly environment, primarily driven by its much lower housing costs. While Salt Lake City provides a different climate and access to outdoor amenities, it comes with a substantially higher price tag for housing and many everyday necessities. A household's budget will stretch much further in Buffalo, making it a strong contender for those prioritizing affordability over other factors.
| Measure | Buffalo, NY | Salt Lake City, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 82 | 108 |
| Housing index | 59 | 127 |
| Transportation index | 82 | 89 |
| Food index | 90 | 98 |
| Healthcare index | 92 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 105 | 95 |
| Misc index | 80 | 95 |
| Median home price | $198,000 | $498,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $975/mo | $1,550/mo |
| Average commute | 23 min | 24 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Salt Lake City home with the True Cost Calculator.