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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.

Pierre
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Milwaukee
WI
95
COLI index
VS
Buffalo
NY
88
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategoryMilwaukeeBuffaloDifference
Overall COLI9588-7%
Housing10585-19%
Groceries101100-1%
Transport10498-6%
Healthcare101102+1%
Utilities106119+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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Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo is cheaper to live in overall. Milwaukee has a cost of living index of 95 while Buffalo has an index of 88, where 100 represents the US national average. Buffalo is 7% cheaper than Milwaukee overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in Milwaukee is $1,050 per month compared to $975 in Buffalo. The median home price in Milwaukee is $195,000 versus $185,000 in Buffalo. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

Milwaukee has a cost of living index of 95 and Buffalo has an index of 88, 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 Milwaukee, multiply by 0.93. For example a $75,000 salary in Milwaukee is equivalent to approximately $69,474 in Buffalo.

Milwaukee has a median household income of $45,389 per year versus $42,071 in Buffalo. 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 Milwaukee to Buffalo is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Buffalo is 7% cheaper 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.