Quick answer
Overall prices in the San Francisco, CA metro were 115.6 vs 95.8 in Buffalo, NY in 2024 (US = 100), so San Francisco is 20.6% more expensive than Buffalo; housing rents differ by 140% (194.7 vs 81.0). A $75,000 income in San Francisco buys about what $62,176 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 Francisco | Buffalo | San Francisco vs Buffalo |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 115.6 | 95.8 | +20.6% |
| Goods | 108.5 | 99.7 | +8.8% |
| Housing (rents) | 194.7 | 81.0 | +140.4% |
| Utilities | 172.6 | 129.5 | +33.3% |
| Other services | 106.2 | 97.8 | +8.6% |
| All items, 2008 | 119.1 | 97.0 | +22.7% |
| $50,000 in San Francisco equals in Buffalo | $41,450 | ||
| $100,000 in San Francisco equals in Buffalo | $82,901 | ||
| $150,000 in San Francisco equals in Buffalo | $124,351 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.