Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Buffalo is 12% more affordable than Baltimore. A $75,000 salary in Baltimore is equivalent to $65,802 in Buffalo.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Maryland salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Baltimore has a housing index of 107 while Buffalo sits at 72 (national average = 100). The median home in Baltimore costs $200,000 compared to $175,000 in Buffalo, a difference of $25,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,300 in Baltimore versus $1,000 in Buffalo.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Baltimore scores 103 while Buffalo scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Baltimore (101) are higher than Buffalo (99). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Baltimore is $52,164 compared to $40,858 in Buffalo. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Buffalo.
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