Moving from Raleigh to Buffalo (2026)
Buffalo has a COL index of 90 vs 101 for Raleigh (100 = US average). You'd pay about 11% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$389/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
10190
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,700$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 Raleigh lifestyle
Based on the 11% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Raleigh | Equivalent in Buffalo |
|---|---|
| $40K | $35,644 |
| $50K | $44,554 |
| $60K | $53,465 |
| $75K | $66,832 |
| $80K | $71,287 |
| $100K | $89,109 |
| $120K | $106,931 |
| $150K | $133,663 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Raleigh vs Buffalo
| Expense | Raleigh | Buffalo |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,309 |
| 1BR rent | $1,700 | $1,250 |
| Groceries | $365 | $384 |
| Transport | $70 | $72 |
| Utilities | $150 | $185 |
| Internet | $60 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $2,114 | $2,353 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Buffalo cheaper than Raleigh?
Yes. Buffalo has a cost of living index of 90 vs 101 for Raleigh (100 = US average). That's about 11% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Raleigh to Buffalo?
On a $75K salary, moving from Raleigh to Buffalo could save roughly $389/month on core expenses. That's ~$4,668/year.
What salary do I need in Buffalo to match my Raleigh lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Raleigh, you'd need roughly $66,832/year in Buffalo. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Buffalo to RaleighRaleigh vs Buffalo — full comparisonRaleigh 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