Moving from Boise to Buffalo (2026)
Buffalo has a COL index of 90 vs 105 for Boise (100 = US average). You'd pay about 14% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$266/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
10590
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,600$1,250
per month
State tax
5.8%6.9%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,378$4,309
per month
Salary needed in Buffalo to match your Boise lifestyle
Based on the 14% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Boise | Equivalent in Buffalo |
|---|---|
| $40K | $34,286 |
| $50K | $42,857 |
| $60K | $51,429 |
| $75K | $64,286 |
| $80K | $68,571 |
| $100K | $85,714 |
| $120K | $102,857 |
| $150K | $128,571 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Boise vs Buffalo
| Expense | Boise | Buffalo |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,378 | $4,309 |
| 1BR rent | $1,600 | $1,250 |
| Groceries | $372 | $384 |
| Transport | $45 | $72 |
| Utilities | $145 | $185 |
| Internet | $60 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $2,156 | $2,353 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Buffalo cheaper than Boise?
Yes. Buffalo has a cost of living index of 90 vs 105 for Boise (100 = US average). That's about 14% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Boise to Buffalo?
On a $75K salary, moving from Boise to Buffalo could save roughly $266/month on core expenses. That's ~$3,192/year.
What salary do I need in Buffalo to match my Boise lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Boise, you'd need roughly $64,286/year in Buffalo. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Buffalo to BoiseBoise vs Buffalo — full comparisonBoise 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