Cost of Living in Buffalo, WY
Population 4,516 · Wyoming · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Buffalo a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $272,000.
Geographically, Buffalo lies roughly 135 miles southeast of the nearest major metro, Billings. Median home values run roughly 13% lower than Billings' $312,000.
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 $272,300 — 11% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,066/month, 19% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $61,813/year is 17% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.2%, below the national average of 4.8%. Wyoming charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 57.6°F and lows of 35.2°F. Overall, Buffalo has a cost of living index of 86 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 14% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 38 | 37 | 46 | 53 | 63 | 74 | 85 | 83 | 72 | 57 | 45 | 37 |
| Low °F | 17 | 18 | 25 | 32 | 41 | 50 | 58 | 57 | 47 | 35 | 25 | 17 |
| Precip" | 0.23 | 0.24 | 0.73 | 1.46 | 2.73 | 2.07 | 1.63 | 0.75 | 1.17 | 1.01 | 0.36 | 0.17 |
💨 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, WY?
Buffalo has a cost index of 86 (100 = national average). It is 14% below the national average.
What is average rent in Buffalo, WY?
The median gross rent in Buffalo is $1,066 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Buffalo?
The median home value in Buffalo is $272,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Buffalo?
The median household income in Buffalo is $61,813 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Buffalo, WY?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Buffalo is 5.3%. Wyoming has no state income tax.
Is Buffalo, WY affordable?
Yes, Buffalo is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 86 — about 14% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Buffalo?
Buffalo has average high temperatures of 57.6°F and average lows of 35.2°F. Annual precipitation is 12.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Buffalo at a Glance
- Population
- 4,516
- Median Income
- $61,813
- Home Value
- $272,300
- Median Rent
- $1,066/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 57.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.3%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Wyoming Rankings
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