Cost of Living in Buffalo, NY (2026)
Updated Jun 2026 (3 months ago) · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Energy Information Administration
Key facts
- Rent (1-bedroom)
- $907/month
- U.S. Census Bureau · 2024-12-31
- Median household income
- $50,041
- U.S. Census Bureau · 2024-12-31
- Regional price parity
- 107.9 (above national average)
- U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis · 2024-12-31
- Utilities (monthly)
- $265/month
- U.S. Energy Information Administration · 2026-06-30
- Rent burden (of income)
- 22% (affordable)
- Derived from Census + HUD threshold · 2024-12-31
Can you afford this city?
- Groceries (est.)
- $440
- Monthly surplus
- $2,138
Salary needed to live here
- Gross per month
- $3,303
- Comfortable budget
- $2,312
Buffalo, NY vs the US average
| Metric | Value | vs US avg |
|---|---|---|
Median household income (Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024) | $50,041 | -36% vs US |
Median home value (Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024) | $164,200 | -52% vs US |
Rent (1BR) (Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024) | $907 | -30% vs US |
Rent (2BR) (Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024) | $1,016 | -31% vs US |
Grocery cost index (BEA Regional Price Parities, Dec 2024) | 107.3 | +7% vs US |
Utilities (monthly) (EIA Electricity Retail Sales, Jun 2026) | $265 | +29% vs US |
Cost breakdown vs US average
What it costs to live in Buffalo
At $907 per month for a one-bedroom, Buffalo sits well below the national median of $1,300 (30% less). The median household income here is $50,041, and a one-bedroom lease absorbs about 22% of that — leaving room under the 30% affordability threshold. Median homes are valued at $164,200 (3.3× median income) — above the 3× affordability rule, though in line with many U.S. metros. That's 52% below the U.S. median of $340,200. Utilities here run about $265/month — 29% above the national average of $205, driven by local climate and energy rates. Use the calculator above to see how far your income goes, with rent and utilities prefilled from the latest U.S. Census Bureau data.
Buying a home in Buffalo?
Mortgage payment calculator
- Principal & interest
- $2,108
- Total interest
- $438,707
Estimate only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Figures are illustrative and may not reflect your situation. Consult a qualified professional.
Cite this page
CostAlmanac US, *Buffalo, NY — Cost of Living*, https://costalmanac.com/cost-of-living/buffalo-ny
Data from U.S. government sources. See methodology for how every number is computed.