Cost of Living: Buffalo vs Las Vegas (2026)
Buffalo has a 15% lower overall cost of living than Las Vegas as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,250/mo in Buffalo vs $1,600/mo in Las Vegas — a 22% difference. Las Vegas has no state income tax, giving residents more take-home pay than those in Buffalo (6.9% rate).
- Buffalo is 15% cheaper overall (COL index: 90 vs 106)
- 1BR rent: $1,250/mo in Buffalo vs $1,600/mo — 22% savings
- Las Vegas has 0% state income tax — saves ~$3,300+/yr at a $75K salary
- Higher median household income: Las Vegas ($60,000/yr vs $53,000/yr)
- Median home price: $220,000 in Buffalo vs $380,000 — 42% difference
| Category | Buffalo New York | Las Vegas Nevada |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $1,000Best | $1,300 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,250Best | $1,600 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,650Best | $2,100 |
| Median home price | $220KBest | $380K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 101 | 99Best |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $14Best | $14 |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $55Best | $60 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $72 | $65Best |
| Gas price/gal | $3.40Best | $3.40 |
| Car insurance/mo | $175 | $155Best |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $185Best | $190 |
| Internet/mo | $65Best | $65 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $53K | $60KBest |
| State income tax% | 6.9% | 0.0%Best |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 8.5% | 8.4%Best |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $15.00Best | $15.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $42 | $35Best |
| Beer at restaurant | $6.50Best | $7.00 |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 90Best | 106 |
| Walk score / 100 | 62Best | 40 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Buffalo cheaper than Las Vegas?
Yes. Buffalo is 15% cheaper than Las Vegas based on overall cost of living indices (90 vs 106, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Buffalo vs Las Vegas?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Buffalo is $1,250/month and in Las Vegas is $1,600/month. Buffalo is cheaper by 22%.
How much do I need to earn in Las Vegas to match a $75,000 salary in Buffalo?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $88,333/year in Las Vegas to match a $75,000 salary in Buffalo. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Buffalo or Las Vegas?
Las Vegas has the lower state income tax rate at 0% vs 6.9%. Las Vegas has no state income tax at all, which can save thousands of dollars per year depending on your income. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Buffalo to Las Vegas?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo offers lower overall costs and tax advantages, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
Want to add more cities or compare your own salary?
Use our interactive tool to compare up to 5 cities and see how much of your take-home goes to rent.