Quick answer
Overall prices in the Columbus, OH metro were 95.5 vs 95.8 in Buffalo, NY in 2024 (US = 100), so Columbus is 0.4% less expensive than Buffalo; housing rents differ by 9% (87.9 vs 81.0). A $75,000 income in Columbus buys about what $75,295 buys in Buffalo, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Columbus | Buffalo | Columbus vs Buffalo |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 95.5 | 95.8 | -0.4% |
| Goods | 93.6 | 99.7 | -6.1% |
| Housing (rents) | 87.9 | 81.0 | +8.6% |
| Utilities | 95.5 | 129.5 | -26.2% |
| Other services | 98.9 | 97.8 | +1.2% |
| All items, 2008 | 96.6 | 97.0 | -0.5% |
| $50,000 in Columbus equals in Buffalo | $50,196 | ||
| $100,000 in Columbus equals in Buffalo | $100,393 | ||
| $150,000 in Columbus equals in Buffalo | $150,589 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.