Cost of Living in Niagara Falls, NY
Population 48,198 · New York · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Niagara Falls cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $104,000, rents near $784 a month. A poverty rate near 24% 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.
Located 15 miles northwest of Buffalo, Niagara Falls falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 31% lower than Buffalo's $152,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Niagara Falls
The median home value in Niagara Falls is $104,400 — 66% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $784/month, 40% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $48,535/year is 35% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.7%, 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 56.7°F and lows of 38.8°F. Overall, Niagara Falls has a cost of living index of 44 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 56% 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 | 41 | 55 | 68 | 76 | 81 | 79 | 73 | 60 | 47 | 37 |
| Low °F | 17 | 17 | 25 | 34 | 46 | 56 | 61 | 60 | 52 | 42 | 32 | 24 |
| Precip" | 2.27 | 1.77 | 2.12 | 3.19 | 3.03 | 2.88 | 3.37 | 2.62 | 3.27 | 3.23 | 2.78 | 2.44 |
💨 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 Niagara Falls, NY?
Niagara Falls has a cost index of 44 (100 = national average). It is 56% below the national average.
What is average rent in Niagara Falls, NY?
The median gross rent in Niagara Falls is $784 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Niagara Falls?
The median home value in Niagara Falls is $104,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Niagara Falls?
The median household income in Niagara Falls is $48,535 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Niagara Falls, NY?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Niagara Falls is 8.5%. The New York state income tax top rate is 10.9%.
Is Niagara Falls, NY affordable?
Yes, Niagara Falls is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 44 — about 56% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Niagara Falls?
Niagara Falls has average high temperatures of 56.7°F and average lows of 38.8°F. Annual precipitation is 33". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Niagara Falls at a Glance
- Population
- 48,198
- Median Income
- $48,535
- Home Value
- $104,400
- Median Rent
- $784/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 56.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.5%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
New York Rankings
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