Moving from Austin to Buffalo (2026)
Buffalo has a COL index of 90 vs 122 for Austin (100 = US average). You'd pay about 26% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$501/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
12290
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,800$1,250
per month
State tax
None6.9%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,741$4,309
per month
Salary needed in Buffalo to match your Austin lifestyle
Based on the 26% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Austin | Equivalent in Buffalo |
|---|---|
| $40K | $29,508 |
| $50K | $36,885 |
| $60K | $44,262 |
| $75K | $55,328 |
| $80K | $59,016 |
| $100K | $73,770 |
| $120K | $88,525 |
| $150K | $110,656 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Austin vs Buffalo
| Expense | Austin | Buffalo |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,309 |
| 1BR rent | $1,800 | $1,250 |
| Groceries | $372 | $384 |
| Transport | $50 | $72 |
| Utilities | $170 | $185 |
| Internet | $65 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $2,284 | $2,353 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Buffalo cheaper than Austin?
Yes. Buffalo has a cost of living index of 90 vs 122 for Austin (100 = US average). That's about 26% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Austin to Buffalo?
On a $75K salary, moving from Austin to Buffalo could save roughly $501/month on core expenses. That's ~$6,012/year.
What salary do I need in Buffalo to match my Austin lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Austin, you'd need roughly $55,328/year in Buffalo. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Buffalo to AustinAustin vs Buffalo — full comparisonAustin cost of livingBuffalo cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only