Buffalo vs Kingston: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Buffalo, NY and Kingston, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Kingston, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,372 | $70,317▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.87 | $33.81▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,406 | $41,430▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,365▲ | $44,955 |
| 75th Percentile | $92,932▲ | $89,730 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,292 | $107,910▲ |
| Total Employed | 840▲ | 40 |
Verdict
Kingston, NY offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Buffalo.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Kingston is $1,945 (2.84%). Kingston's median is -12.53% 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,Kingston spans $66,480. 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 2.17% more than Kingston ($69,822 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓Larger job market (840 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,337)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Kingston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($70,317/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,910)
- ✓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 -23.3% growth in Kingston over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$93,810 (2021) → $65,440 (2025)
Kingston, NY
$87,790 (2023) → $67,302 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Kingston, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Buffalo or Kingston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and Kingston?
Should I relocate from Buffalo to Kingston as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Buffalo vs Kingston?
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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