Cost of Living in Buffalo, NY
Population 276,397 · New York · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buffalo's median household income of $48,050 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (27% here). At 7.2%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
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 $152,300 — 50% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $989/month, 25% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $48,050/year is 36% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.2%, above the national average of 4.8%. New York's top state income tax rate is 10.9% and the combined sales tax is 8.5%. The climate averages highs of 56.8°F and lows of 40.9°F, with about 95.4" of annual snowfall. Overall, Buffalo has a cost of living index of 60 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 40% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 32 | 33 | 42 | 55 | 67 | 76 | 80 | 79 | 72 | 60 | 48 | 37 |
| Low °F | 19 | 20 | 26 | 37 | 48 | 58 | 63 | 62 | 55 | 44 | 34 | 26 |
| Precip" | 3.35 | 2.49 | 2.89 | 3.37 | 3.37 | 3.37 | 3.23 | 3.23 | 4.10 | 4.03 | 3.50 | 3.75 |
| Snow" | 26.7 | 18.1 | 14.1 | 2.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.9 | 7.8 | 25.3 |
💨 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, NY?
Buffalo has a cost index of 60 (100 = national average). It is 40% below the national average.
What is average rent in Buffalo, NY?
The median gross rent in Buffalo is $989 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Buffalo?
The median home value in Buffalo is $152,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Buffalo?
The median household income in Buffalo is $48,050 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Buffalo, NY?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Buffalo is 8.5%. The New York state income tax top rate is 10.9%.
Is Buffalo, NY affordable?
Yes, Buffalo is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 60 — about 40% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Buffalo?
Buffalo has average high temperatures of 56.8°F and average lows of 40.9°F. Annual precipitation is 40.7". Average annual snowfall is 95.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Buffalo at a Glance
- Population
- 276,397
- Median Income
- $48,050
- Home Value
- $152,300
- Median Rent
- $989/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 56.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.5%
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