Buffalo, MN vs International Falls, MN

The cost of living difference between Buffalo, MN and International Falls, MN is dramatic. International Falls is 48.6% cheaper than Buffalo, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Buffalo has a cost index of 93 while International Falls sits at 63, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Buffalo is $1,111/month compared to $753/month in International Falls — a 48% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: International Falls is more affordable at $115,000 median vs $281,900.

Median household income in Buffalo is $88,306 compared to $61,043 in International Falls (+44.7%). The higher salaries in Buffalo partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Buffalo spend roughly 15.1% of their income on rent, more than the 14.8% in International Falls.