What’s the cost of Living in Buffalo, NY? Here’s what renters need to know

Veronica Grecu-October 31, 2025

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Moving to the Northeast? That can feel like a huge step for any renter. We get it. This is one of the pricier regions to live in, and just searching for rental apartments can be a headache. Naturally, you’re looking for a spot that offers a great quality of life with a reasonable cost of living.

The quest for reasonably priced apartments in Northeastern cities has never been more competitive. Take Buffalo, NY, for example: It’s one of the hottest rental markets in the U.S. This intense demand often means a higher number of applicants competing for the same vacant unit. Even so, Buffalo is still more affordable, easygoing and livable compared to other big cities in the Northeast like New York, Boston or Philadelphia.

But, before you sign a new lease, it helps to know how the average cost of living in Buffalo compares to the rest of New York and the U.S. From housing and utilities to food and transportation, each expense adds up.

If you’re moving from another part of New York or from out of state, this guide will help you compare cost-of-living details so you’ll know exactly what to expect when renting in Buffalo.

Key takeaways:

According to the RentCafe Cost of Living Calculator, which uses data from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), the average cost of living in Buffalo is 44% lower than the New York state average and about 4% lower than the U.S. average.
Utilities, food, healthcare and goods & services trend below national levels, while transportation is close to national norms.
Walkable neighborhoods and short commutes support an easy, renter-friendly lifestyle.

What is the average cost of living in Buffalo, NY?

Buffalo’s rental market reflects what the city is all about—steady, welcoming, and full of character. As a mid-sized city, Buffalo offers a little bit of everything: charming historic neighborhoods, walkable streets, and plenty of local businesses that give each area its own vibe. Renters can enjoy easy access to parks, cultural events, and a relaxed pace of life while staying well connected to the rest of Western New York.

The median household income in Buffalo is $81,084 as of September 2025, which helps support a comfortable, affordable lifestyle for most residents.

When it comes to everyday expenses, the cost of living in Buffalo is easier on the wallet than in most other parts of New York and even a bit lower than the U.S. average. Housing is especially budget-friendly, coming in well below the state average and slightly below national levels.

You’ll also find that utilities, food, and healthcare cost less here, making Buffalo a great choice for renters looking to balance affordability with quality living.

Use this quick comparison to compare cost of living across major categories:

Cost of living comparison: Buffalo vs. New York state and U.S. averages
Category	Compared to New York average	Compared to U.S. average
Housing (Buy & Rent)	68% lower	5% lower
Utilities (Monthly)	16% lower	5% lower
Food	14% lower	2% lower
Healthcare	24% lower	12% lower
Transportation	8% lower	2% higher
Goods & Services	23% lower	5% lower

As you can see, the cost of living in Buffalo sits well below the state average and below the national level overall, making it a practical choice for renters who want comfort without high costs.

Breaking down the cost of living in Buffalo

Housing (buy and rent)

Average monthly rent (as of September 2025): $1,401
National average rent: $1,750
Average home price: $539,710
Mortgage rate: 6.90%

Utilities

Energy bills (monthly average): $187.56
Phone bills (monthly average): $198.47

Food

Milk (1 gallon): $4.72
Eggs (dozen): $2.97
Bread: $3.59
Potatoes: $4.70
Cheese: $4.63
Ground beef: $6.92

Healthcare

Doctor’s visit: $118.78
Dentist: $113.42
Optometrist: $75.93

Transportation

Gasoline (1 gallon): $3.46
Getting tires balanced:$60.22

Goods & Services — clothing

Men’s shirt: $26.37
Women’s slacks: $25.15
Boy’s jeans: $23.13

Goods & Services — everyday services

Haircut: $23.00
Beauty salon: $53.17
Dry cleaning: $21.59
Movie ticket: $13.08

Is Buffalo a good choice for renters?

Buffalo is one of those cities where renters can truly have the best of both worlds—affordability and a great quality of life. The average cost of living in Buffalo stays well below most parts of New York, which means your budget goes a lot further here. From housing and groceries to healthcare and everyday services, Buffalo offers a nice balance for anyone who wants a comfortable lifestyle without the high costs of a big city.

If you’re thinking about relocating or just want to compare the cost of living between various cities, Buffalo should definitely be on your radar. With its friendly neighborhoods, light traffic and local culture, it’s no surprise that apartments in Buffalo are in high demand.

For anyone exploring the cost of living in New York, Buffalo stands out as a smart choice—offering real value, a welcoming community and the kind of lifestyle that feels both affordable and fulfilling.

Interested in cost-of-living details for other cities across the country? Check out our guides for San Francisco; Seattle; Brooklyn, NY; Denver; Philadelphia; Houston; and Indianapolis.

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Veronica Grecu

Veronica Grecu is a senior creative writer and research analyst for RentCafe. With more than 14 years of experience in the real estate industry, she covers a variety of topics in the apartment market, including rental competitiveness, new construction and other industry trends. Her work has been featured in top publications like The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Miami Herald, CNN, CNBC, and more. Prior to RentCafe, Veronica was involved in producing real estate content for Multi-Housing News, Commercial Property Executive and Yardi Matrix. She holds a B.A. in Applied Modern Languages and an M.A. in Advertising and PR.