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Buffalo vs Richmond

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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Richmond is 11% more expensive than Buffalo overall.Buffalo has a cost of living index of 88 vs Richmond at 98 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing Richmond costs 32% less.

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Buffalo
NY
88
COLI index
VS
Richmond
VA
98
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategoryBuffaloRichmondDifference
Overall COLI8898+11%
Housing85112+32%
Groceries100102+2%
Transport98103+5%
Healthcare102102Same
Utilities119100-16%

Median 1BR Rent

Buffalo
$975/mo
Richmond
$1,400/mo

Median Home Price

Buffalo
$185,000
Richmond
$310,000

Median Household Income

Buffalo
$42,071
Richmond
$55,766

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Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo is cheaper to live in overall. Buffalo has a cost of living index of 88 while Richmond has an index of 98, where 100 represents the US national average. Richmond is 11% more expensive than Buffalo overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in Buffalo is $975 per month compared to $1,400 in Richmond. The median home price in Buffalo is $185,000 versus $310,000 in Richmond. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

Buffalo has a cost of living index of 88 and Richmond has an index of 98, both measured against a US national average of 100. An index above 100 means more expensive than the national average — below 100 means cheaper.

To maintain the same purchasing power as a salary in Buffalo, multiply by 1.11. For example a $75,000 salary in Buffalo is equivalent to approximately $83,523 in Richmond.

Buffalo has a median household income of $42,071 per year versus $55,766 in Richmond. Higher incomes must be weighed against cost of living. Use the Dayblip salary tools to see specific job salaries in both cities.

Whether moving from Buffalo to Richmond is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Richmond is 11% more expensive overall — with the biggest difference in housing. Use the Dayblip cost of living calculator to enter your specific salary and see the exact dollar impact.

Last updated: June 2026

Methodology: Cost of living indices from C2ER Cost of Living Index 2024-2025. Rent data from Zillow December 2024. Home price data from Zillow Home Value Index December 2024. Household income from US Census Bureau ACS 2023. National average COLI = 100. Data updated annually.