New York • 2026 Data

Cost of Living in Buffalo, New York

Overall cost of living: -2% vs national average

Detailed housing, grocery, healthcare, and utility cost data for Buffalo.

Housing
-0% vs avg
Utilities
-8% vs avg
Groceries
-3% vs avg
Transportation
Housing & Utilities
-0% vs avg
Median Home Price
$531,456
Median Rent
$1,595 / month
Energy Bill
$201.86 / month
Phone Bill
$180.08 / month
Gas (per gallon)
$3.16 / gallon
Food & Grocery
-3% vs avg
Loaf of Bread
$3.99
Gallon of Milk
$4.62
Carton of Eggs
$4.56
Bunch of Bananas
$0.75
Hamburger
$5.64
Healthcare
Doctor's Visit
$137.52
Dentist Visit
$110.47
Optometrist Visit
$125.26
Rx Drug
$19.91
Veterinary Visit
$69.46

Buffalo in the Context of New York

State Avg Cost Index112.6
State Avg Rent$1,967/mo
State Income Tax10.9%
Cities in State162

Other Cities in New York

About Living in Buffalo, New York

Buffalo is located in New York and has an overall cost of living that is -2% compared to the national average. Understanding the full picture of living expenses — from housing and rent to grocery bills and healthcare — is essential when considering a move to Buffalo.

Housing: Median rent in Buffalo is $1,595 / month, and the median home price is $531,456. Housing costs are -0% compared to the national average, which significantly impacts monthly budgets.

Groceries: Daily essentials like bread ($3.99), milk ($4.62), and eggs ($4.56) reflect the local grocery landscape. Overall grocery costs are -3% vs the national average.

Healthcare: Medical costs include doctor visits ($137.52), dentist visits ($110.47), and prescription drugs ($19.91). These costs should be factored into your monthly budget when planning a move.

New York has a state income tax rate of 10.9%, which affects take-home pay for Buffalo residents.

Explore More

Buffalo, New York Cost of Living FAQ

Common questions about living costs in Buffalo.

Buffalo, New York has an overall cost of living that is -2% the national average. Housing costs are -0% vs the national average. Grocery prices are -3% vs average. Utilities are -8% vs average. This makes Buffalo a reasonably affordable city.
The median rent in Buffalo, New York is $1,595 / month. Average energy bills run $201.86 / month. Phone bills average $180.08 / month. Housing is typically the largest expense for residents.
Healthcare costs in Buffalo: doctor's visit averages $137.52, dentist visit averages $110.47, prescription drugs average $19.91. Overall healthcare expenses in the area are influenced by the -3% grocery cost difference.
Buffalo is one of 162 cities tracked in New York. With an overall cost -2% vs the national average, it is more affordable than many other cities in the state. Visit our New York state page to compare all cities side-by-side and find the best fit for your budget.
Buffalo offers cost of living -2% compared to the national average. Key factors to consider: median home price of $531,456, rent of $1,595 / month, and a state income tax of 10.9% in New York. Explore our detailed cost breakdown above to see if Buffalo fits your budget.