Cost of Living in Buffalo, MN
Population 16,388 · Minnesota · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buffalo is a smaller Minnesota community of around 16000 residents, where median household incomes of $88,306 and housing costs ($282,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.
Geographically, Buffalo is about 35 miles west of Minneapolis, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 18% lower than Minneapolis' $346,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Buffalo
The median home value in Buffalo is $281,900 — 8% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,111/month, 15% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $88,306/year is 18% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.5%, below the national average of 4.8%. Minnesota's top state income tax rate is 9.8% and the combined sales tax is 7.4%. Overall, Buffalo has a cost of living index of 89 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 11% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Buffalo, MN?
Buffalo has a cost index of 89 (100 = national average). It is 11% below the national average.
What is average rent in Buffalo, MN?
The median gross rent in Buffalo is $1,111 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Buffalo?
The median home value in Buffalo is $281,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Buffalo?
The median household income in Buffalo is $88,306 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Buffalo, MN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Buffalo is 7.4%. The Minnesota state income tax top rate is 9.8%.
Is Buffalo, MN affordable?
Yes, Buffalo is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 89 — about 11% below the US national average of 100.
Buffalo at a Glance
- Population
- 16,388
- Median Income
- $88,306
- Home Value
- $281,900
- Median Rent
- $1,111/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.5%
- Sales Tax
- 7.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Minnesota Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
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