Cost of Living in University at Buffalo, NY

Population 6,776 · New York · Data vintage 2023

109

Cost Index
(100 = US avg)

Page updated: April 2026 · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year

Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Geographically, University at Buffalo sits roughly 8 miles northeast of Buffalo. Buffalo's typical home runs $152,000 for context.

Cost Overview

Rent 109

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in University at Buffalo

Median rent runs $1,438/month, 9% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The local unemployment rate is 2.4%, below 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, University at Buffalo has a cost of living index of 109 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 9% more expensive.

🎓

University at Buffalo is a campus community

This Census-Designated Place covers the University at Buffalo campus. Students and staff typically live in surrounding communities — here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:

Eggertsville, NY

Median home: $225,400

Rent: $868/mo

Income: $82,359

Tonawanda Town, NY

Median home: $199,400

Rent: $1,062/mo

Income: $76,644

Kenmore, NY

Median home: $192,600

Rent: $1,035/mo

Income: $75,768

Tonawanda, NY

Median home: $159,500

Rent: $776/mo

Income: $61,619

North Tonawanda, NY

Median home: $184,900

Rent: $914/mo

Income: $66,774

🏠 Housing

Median Rent

$1,438/mo

9% above avg

Property Tax Rate

1.7%

Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio

$965

1 BR

$1,051

2 BR

$1,302

3 BR

$1,619

4 BR

$1,813

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent

$1,438

Groceries national estimate

$400

Utilities local estimate

$88

Transportation local gas prices

$126

Estimated Total $2,052/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚

Eggs (dozen)

$0.548

🍞

White Bread (lb)

$1.912

🥩

Ground Beef (lb)

$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute

17.0 min

37% below avg

Gas Price

$3.145/gal

0% below avg

Work From Home

9.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone

45.5%

Carpooled

2.7%

Public transit

7.7%

Walked

32.2%

Bicycle

1.1%

Work from home

9.5%

⚡ Utilities

Electricity

$0.176/kWh

0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 10.9%

Total Sales Tax 8.5%

State rate 4.0%

Avg local rate 4.5%

Property Tax 1.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Per Capita Income

$7,569

Unemployment Rate

2.4%

49% below avg

Poverty Rate

40.9%

Labor Force Participation

21.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 15.5%

Graduate degree 81.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 19.4

Male median age 19.5

Female median age 19.3

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High

56.8°F

Avg Low

40.9°F

Annual Precip

40.7"

Annual Snowfall

95.4"

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

Median AQI 48 — Good

54.2%

Good air days/yr

176

Max AQI recorded

275

PM2.5 days

Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in University at Buffalo, NY?

University at Buffalo has a cost index of 109 (100 = national average). It is 9% above the national average.

What is average rent in University at Buffalo, NY?

The median gross rent in University at Buffalo is $1,438 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the sales tax in University at Buffalo, NY?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in University at Buffalo is 8.5%. The New York state income tax top rate is 10.9%.

Is University at Buffalo, NY affordable?

University at Buffalo is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 109 (100 = US average).

What is the weather like in University at Buffalo?

University at 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.

University at Buffalo at a Glance

Population: 6,776
Median Rent: $1,438/mo
Unemployment: 2.4%
Avg High Temp: 56.8°F
Sales Tax: 8.5%

View all cities in New York →

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🗺️ County data for New York

Explore county-level cost of living data