Moving from Durham to Buffalo (2026)
Buffalo has a COL index of 90 vs 102 for Durham (100 = US average). You'd pay about 12% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$465/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
10290
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,750$1,250
per month
State tax
4.5%6.9%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,459$4,309
per month
Salary needed in Buffalo to match your Durham lifestyle
Based on the 12% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Durham | Equivalent in Buffalo |
|---|---|
| $40K | $35,294 |
| $50K | $44,118 |
| $60K | $52,941 |
| $75K | $66,176 |
| $80K | $70,588 |
| $100K | $88,235 |
| $120K | $105,882 |
| $150K | $132,353 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Durham vs Buffalo
| Expense | Durham | Buffalo |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,309 |
| 1BR rent | $1,750 | $1,250 |
| Groceries | $372 | $384 |
| Transport | $82 | $72 |
| Utilities | $155 | $185 |
| Internet | $62 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $2,038 | $2,353 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Buffalo cheaper than Durham?
Yes. Buffalo has a cost of living index of 90 vs 102 for Durham (100 = US average). That's about 12% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Durham to Buffalo?
On a $75K salary, moving from Durham to Buffalo could save roughly $465/month on core expenses. That's ~$5,580/year.
What salary do I need in Buffalo to match my Durham lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Durham, you'd need roughly $66,176/year in Buffalo. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Buffalo to DurhamDurham vs Buffalo — full comparisonDurham 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