Cost of Living Comparison for Buffalo, NY
Updated 2026 · Local data pre-filled
Buffalo's cost of living index is 88 — 12% cheaper than the national average. This factors in housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Use this calculator to see how your purchasing power would change if you moved to another city.
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How Buffalo Compares to the National Average
Understanding how Buffalo stacks up helps you calibrate your financial planning.
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $215,000 | $420,800 | -48.9% |
| Median Monthly Rent | $1,125 | $1,713 | -34.3% |
| Median Household Income | $52,400 | $74,580 | -29.7% |
| Property Tax Rate | 2.50% | 1.10% | +127.3% |
| Cost of Living Index | 88 | 100 | -12.0% |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, NAR (2024–2025). Green = favorable for residents; red = less favorable.
Buffalo Financial Snapshot
- Population (Metro)
- 1,200,000
- Unemployment
- 4.2%
- Avg Commute
- 22 min
- Median Age
- 36.2
- Price-to-Rent Ratio
- 15.9x
- Annual Property Tax
- $5,375
Cost of Living Comparison in Other New York Cities
Frequently Asked Questions — Buffalo
What is the median home price in Buffalo, NY?
The median home price in Buffalo is $215,000 as of 2025–2026. This is below the national median of $420,800.
What is the average rent in Buffalo?
Median monthly rent in Buffalo is $1,125. That works out to $13,500/year, or 26% of the median household income — within the commonly recommended 30% of income guideline.
Is Buffalo affordable?
Buffalo's cost of living index is 88 vs. the national average of 100. With a median household income of $52,400/year and a median home price of $215,000, the price-to-income ratio is 4.1x. Buffalo falls in the middle of the affordability spectrum for US cities.
What is the property tax rate in Buffalo?
The effective property tax rate in Buffalo is 2.50% of assessed value. On the median home of $215,000, that's roughly $5,375/year ($448/month).