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Buffalo, MN vs Moorhead, MN

93
Buffalo
Minnesota
VS
+13.5%
82
Moorhead
Minnesota

Moorhead is moderately more affordable than Buffalo, with a 13.5% lower cost of living index. Buffalo scores 93 compared to 82 for Moorhead, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Buffalo can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Buffalo is $1,111/month compared to $1,017/month in Moorhead — a 9% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Moorhead is more affordable at $246,300 median vs $281,900.

Median household income in Buffalo is $88,306 compared to $69,371 in Moorhead (+27.3%). While Buffalo is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Buffalo spend roughly 15.1% of their income on rent, less than the 17.6% in Moorhead.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Buffalo
93
Moorhead
82
12% cheaper
Median Household Income
Buffalo
$88,306
21% higher
Moorhead
$69,371

Housing

Median Rent
Buffalo
$1,111
Moorhead
$1,017
8% cheaper
Median Home Value
Buffalo
$281,900
Moorhead
$246,300
13% cheaper
Population
Buffalo
16,388
Moorhead
44,706

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Buffalo $3.20
Moorhead $2.97
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Buffalo $2.61
Moorhead $2.43
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Buffalo $4.21
Moorhead $3.91
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Buffalo $1.93
Moorhead $1.79
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Buffalo $4.33
Moorhead $4.02
US $4.14
Electricity
Buffalo $0.17
Moorhead $0.15
US $0.19