Quick answer
Overall prices in the San Diego, CA metro were 111.9 vs 95.8 in Buffalo, NY in 2024 (US = 100), so San Diego is 16.7% more expensive than Buffalo; housing rents differ by 121% (179.3 vs 81.0). A $75,000 income in San Diego buys about what $64,246 buys in Buffalo, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | San Diego | Buffalo | San Diego vs Buffalo |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 111.9 | 95.8 | +16.7% |
| Goods | 108.0 | 99.7 | +8.3% |
| Housing (rents) | 179.3 | 81.0 | +121.3% |
| Utilities | 174.2 | 129.5 | +34.6% |
| Other services | 99.6 | 97.8 | +1.9% |
| All items, 2008 | 113.7 | 97.0 | +17.2% |
| $50,000 in San Diego equals in Buffalo | $42,831 | ||
| $100,000 in San Diego equals in Buffalo | $85,661 | ||
| $150,000 in San Diego equals in Buffalo | $128,492 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.