Milwaukee vs Buffalo
Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data
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Buffalo is 7% cheaper than Milwaukee overall.Milwaukee has a cost of living index of 95 vs Buffalo at 88 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing — Milwaukee costs 19% more.

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Milwaukee
WI
95
COLI index
VS
Buffalo
NY
88
COLI index
Category Breakdown
| Category | Milwaukee | Buffalo | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall COLI | 95 | 88 | -7% |
| Housing | 105 | 85 | -19% |
| Groceries | 101 | 100 | -1% |
| Transport | 104 | 98 | -6% |
| Healthcare | 101 | 102 | +1% |
| Utilities | 106 | 119 | +12% |
Median 1BR Rent
Milwaukee
$1,050/mo
Buffalo
$975/mo
Median Home Price
Milwaukee
$195,000
Buffalo
$185,000
Median Household Income
Milwaukee
$45,389
Buffalo
$42,071
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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.