Buffalo vs St. Louis: cost of living compared
St. Louis is 7% more expensive than Buffalo overall. State income tax tops out around 4.95% in MO 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
Buffalo generally presents a more affordable cost of living compared to St. Louis. The most significant difference lies in housing expenses, which are noticeably lower in Buffalo for both purchasing and renting. While some other categories show smaller gaps, Buffalo's overall lower housing costs are the primary driver for its more budget-friendly profile, making it a more economical choice for many everyday expenses.
Housing
Housing costs are distinctly lower in Buffalo. Median home prices are more accessible there, and monthly rents for smaller units also reflect a noticeable difference. Both metros feature a mix of historic brick homes and newer constructions. Beyond the purchase price or rent, property taxes and insurance costs can vary, but the initial outlay for a home or apartment is clearly less in Buffalo.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses for transportation, food, and healthcare are somewhat lower in Buffalo, though the differences are not as pronounced as with housing. Utilities, however, are more expensive in Buffalo. A significant difference for many will be state income tax, which is notably higher in New York compared to Missouri, impacting take-home pay despite lower prices on some goods and services.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Buffalo experiences distinct four seasons with significant winter snowfall, while St. Louis has a more temperate climate with hot, humid summers. Both cities offer a blend of urban and suburban environments. Buffalo's layout often supports easier navigation, with a more compact feel and some public transit options. St. Louis is a larger metropolitan area, with a more extensive public transit system and a slightly longer average commute time.
Bottom line
For those prioritizing lower housing costs, Buffalo offers a clear advantage in both home prices and rental rates. While state income taxes are higher in New York, and utilities cost more in Buffalo, many other daily expenses are somewhat less. St. Louis provides a slightly warmer climate and lower utility costs, but overall, a household budget will generally stretch further in Buffalo due to its more affordable housing market.
| Measure | Buffalo, NY | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 82 | 88 |
| Housing index | 59 | 64 |
| Transportation index | 82 | 95 |
| Food index | 90 | 92 |
| Healthcare index | 92 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 105 | 95 |
| Misc index | 80 | 88 |
| Median home price | $198,000 | $218,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $975/mo | $1,050/mo |
| Average commute | 23 min | 27 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific St. Louis home with the True Cost Calculator.