What is the cost of living in Buffalo?

The cost of living in Buffalo is 49.2% cheaper than New York City (index: 50.8). Groceries are 23.4% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 15.2% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately USD 1,686 per month. Local purchasing power index is 128.8 (NYC = 100).

🇺🇸 NY, United States · #133 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Buffalo?

Q: Should I move to Buffalo?

Buffalo, NY, United States has a cost of living 49.2% cheaper than New York City (index: 50.8). It is ranked #133 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is very strong (index: 128.8 vs NYC = 100). Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

49.2% cheaper than NYC, and purchasing power is very strong.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-49.2%

vs NYC

USD 1,686

1-BR, city centre

128.8

Purchasing Power

Very strong

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to Buffalo?

Cost breakdown: Buffalo

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

50.8 Expensive

Rent

31.0 Very affordable

Groceries

76.6 Above average

Restaurants

84.8 Above average

Purchasing Power

128.8 Very strong

Rent in Buffalo

1-BR, city centre USD 1,686/mo

1-BR, outside centre USD 1,102/mo

3-BR, city centre USD 2,346/mo

3-BR, outside centre USD 1,610/mo

Save by going outside centre 35% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇺🇸 Rochester

NY, United States

CoL index 47.0

Compare Rochester vs Buffalo →

🇺🇸 Albany

NY, United States

CoL index 54.8

Compare Albany vs Buffalo →

🇺🇸 Syracuse

NY, United States

CoL index 57.8

Compare Syracuse vs Buffalo →

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Enter your salary and current city. Get exact take-home pay in Buffalo after tax, in seconds.

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