Cost of Living in Buffalo, MO
Population 3,358 · Missouri · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $32,630, median household incomes in Buffalo land roughly 56% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. A poverty rate near 38% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Geographically, Buffalo is about 35 miles northeast of Springfield, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 21% lower than Springfield's $165,000.
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 $131,300 — 57% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $647/month, 51% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $32,630/year is 56% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.3%, below the national average of 4.8%. Missouri's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 8.4%. Overall, Buffalo has a cost of living index of 46 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 54% less expensive.
Buffalo has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Buffalo, MO?
Buffalo has a cost index of 46 (100 = national average). It is 54% below the national average.
What is average rent in Buffalo, MO?
The median gross rent in Buffalo is $647 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Buffalo?
The median home value in Buffalo is $131,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Buffalo?
The median household income in Buffalo is $32,630 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Buffalo, MO?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Buffalo is 8.4%. The Missouri state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Buffalo, MO affordable?
Yes, Buffalo is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 46 — about 54% below the US national average of 100.
Buffalo at a Glance
- Population
- 3,358
- Median Income
- $32,630
- Home Value
- $131,300
- Median Rent
- $647/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.3%
- Sales Tax
- 8.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Missouri Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs