Buffalo, New York has an overall cost of living index of 94.9, which is 5.1 points below the US average of 100 — making it more affordable than most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,046 per month, while the typical home is valued around $164,200. Households earn a median of $50,041 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is moderate, with an average AQI of 54. Below: housing costs, local wages by occupation, neighborhoods, climate, jobs and major industries, and healthcare access — all drawn from US Census, BEA, BLS, HUD, EPA, and NOAA data.
Median Household Income
$50,041
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,046
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$164,200
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
94.9
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
94.9
Goods
97.4
Rents / Housing
76.0
Services
128.5
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $125,020 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $96,740 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $74,270 |
| ⚡Electrician | $75,000 |
| 📊Accountant | $91,260 |
| 🔧Plumber | $74,360 |
| ⚕️Nurse Practitioner | $157,700 |
| 🏗️Civil Engineer | $103,810 |
| 👔Operations Manager | $129,460 |
| 📈Market Research Analyst | $82,270 |
| 🏢Health Services Manager | $154,110 |
| 🚛Truck Driver | $59,150 |
| 👨⚕️Physician Assistant | N/A |
| 🩺Surgeon | N/A |
| 🧮Data Scientist | N/A |
| 🖥️Computer Engineer | $111,950 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
276,854
Latest estimate
Median Age
34.3 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
54.0
Source: EPA AirNow
Total Neighborhoods
5
Tracked in our database
Avg Walk Score
54
0–100 scale
Avg Median Rent
$831
Per month
Avg Home Value
$244,067
Census ACS
January Avg
26°F
July Avg
72°F
Sunny Days / Year
219
Annual Snowfall
—
Climate category: Continental · Source: NOAA/NCEI 30-year normals.
Healthcare Score
31.8
poor
Hospitals
7
Doctors per 1,000
1.00
Insurance Coverage
95.9%
What is the cost of living index for Buffalo?
Buffalo has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 94.9. The US national average is 100, so Buffalo is 5.1 points below the national average.
What is the median rent in Buffalo?
The median gross rent in Buffalo is $1,046 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Buffalo?
The median household income in Buffalo is $50,041 per year.
What is the median home value in Buffalo?
The median home value in Buffalo is $164,200 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Buffalo?
Buffalo has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 54.0, which is rated "Moderate" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in Buffalo?
Tax data for New York is not yet available.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
