City vs city
Buffalo, NY vs Madison, WI
- Rent is 35% lower in Buffalo (median $1,046/mo vs $1,413/mo in Madison).
- Homes cost 127% less in Buffalo ($164k vs $373k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $295 more a month after taxes and rent in Buffalo.
- Schools rate higher in Madison (4.4/10 vs 1.2/10).
- Madison has less violent crime (2.1 vs 7.3 per 1,000 residents; the US rate is 3.6).
- Buffalo has milder winters (26°F vs 19°F average).
- Madison gets more sun (188 vs 166 sunny days a year).
| Buffalo | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,046/mo | $1,413/mo |
| Median home value | $164k | $373k |
| Median household income | $50k | $78k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $3,799 | $3,504 |
| State income tax on wages | Yes | Yes |
| School rating | 1.2/10 | 4.4/10 |
| Violent crime | 2.0× the US rate | 42% below the US rate |
| Summer average | 80°F | 82°F |
| Winter average | 26°F | 19°F |
| Sunny days a year | 166 | 188 |
| Walk score | 77 | 49 |
| Population | 276,854 | 278,001 |
Population, income, home value and rent: U.S. Census Bureau ACS. Taxes: single filer, 2026 federal and state rates, before any city income tax. Violent crime per 1,000 residents; US rate 3.6.
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