Quick answer
Overall prices in the Boston, MA metro were 108.3 vs 95.8 in Buffalo, NY in 2024 (US = 100), so Boston is 13.0% more expensive than Buffalo; housing rents differ by 83% (148.4 vs 81.0). A $75,000 income in Boston buys about what $66,395 buys in Buffalo, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Boston | Buffalo | Boston vs Buffalo |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 108.3 | 95.8 | +13.0% |
| Goods | 99.7 | 99.7 | -0.0% |
| Housing (rents) | 148.4 | 81.0 | +83.3% |
| Utilities | 148.8 | 129.5 | +14.9% |
| Other services | 103.6 | 97.8 | +6.0% |
| All items, 2008 | 107.7 | 97.0 | +11.0% |
| $50,000 in Boston equals in Buffalo | $44,263 | ||
| $100,000 in Boston equals in Buffalo | $88,526 | ||
| $150,000 in Boston equals in Buffalo | $132,790 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.