Buffalo vs Ithaca: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Buffalo, NY and Ithaca, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Ithaca, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,372▲ | $49,596 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.87▲ | $23.84 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,406▲ | $33,955 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,365▲ | $41,497 |
| 75th Percentile | $92,932▲ | $66,827 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,292▲ | $94,369 |
| Total Employed | 840▲ | 140 |
Verdict
Buffalo, NY offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ithaca.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Ithaca is $18,776 (37.86%). Buffalo's median is -14.95% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buffalo spans $68,886,Ithaca spans $60,414. Buffalo has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Buffalo ($71,337 effective) pays 48.61% more than Ithaca ($48,004 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,372/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($106,292)
- ✓Larger job market (840 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,337)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Ithaca if…
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Buffalo grew -30.2% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -59.3% growth in Ithaca over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$93,810 (2021) → $65,440 (2025)
Ithaca, NY
$116,650 (2021) → $47,469 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Ithaca, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Buffalo or Ithaca?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov