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Seattle vs Buffalo

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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Buffalo is 41% cheaper than Seattle overall.Seattle has a cost of living index of 150 vs Buffalo at 88 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing Seattle costs 66% more.

Pierre
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Seattle
WA
150
COLI index
VS
Buffalo
NY
88
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategorySeattleBuffaloDifference
Overall COLI15088-41%
Housing24885-66%
Groceries111100-10%
Transport11498-14%
Healthcare107102-5%
Utilities89119+34%

Median 1BR Rent

Seattle
$2,100/mo
Buffalo
$975/mo

Median Home Price

Seattle
$755,000
Buffalo
$185,000

Median Household Income

Seattle
$105,391
Buffalo
$42,071

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Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo is cheaper to live in overall. Seattle has a cost of living index of 150 while Buffalo has an index of 88, where 100 represents the US national average. Buffalo is 41% cheaper than Seattle overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in Seattle is $2,100 per month compared to $975 in Buffalo. The median home price in Seattle is $755,000 versus $185,000 in Buffalo. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

Seattle has a cost of living index of 150 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 Seattle, multiply by 0.59. For example a $75,000 salary in Seattle is equivalent to approximately $44,000 in Buffalo.

Seattle has a median household income of $105,391 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 Seattle to Buffalo is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Buffalo is 41% 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.