Buffalo, New York has an overall cost of living index of 94.0, which is 6.0 points below the US average of 100 — making it more affordable than most American cities. Renters pay a median of $989 per month, while the typical home is valued around $152,300. Households earn a median of $48,050 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is good, with an average AQI of 20. The figures below cover housing, local wages by occupation, demographics, and air quality, all drawn from the US Census Bureau, BEA, HUD, and EPA.
Median Household Income
$48,050
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$989
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$152,300
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
94.0
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
Studio FMR
$1,105
HUD Fair Market Rent
1BR Fair Market Rent
$1,139
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
$1,343
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
$1,640
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
94.0
Goods
96.4
Rents / Housing
78.6
Services
127.4
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
State Income Tax
10.90%
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
4.00%
Statewide base rate (local add-ons may apply)
Source: Tax Foundation (2024)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $121,320 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $91,930 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $76,040 |
| ⚡Electrician | $72,710 |
| 📊Accountant | $88,200 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
276,397
Latest estimate
Median Age
34.3 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
20.0
Source: EPA AirNow
What is the cost of living index for Buffalo?
Buffalo has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 94.0. The US national average is 100, so Buffalo is 6.0 points below the national average.
What is the median rent in Buffalo?
The median gross rent in Buffalo is $989 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Buffalo?
The median household income in Buffalo is $48,050 per year.
What is the median home value in Buffalo?
The median home value in Buffalo is $152,300 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Buffalo?
Buffalo has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 20.0, which is rated "Good" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in Buffalo?
New York has a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a statewide sales tax of 4.00% (local rates may add to this). Source: Tax Foundation, 2024.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology