North America Updated
Average Cost of Living in Buffalo
The average cost of living in Buffalo, United States is $1,896 per month for a single person, and $3,967 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $1,654 per month. The local average net salary is $3,524 per month.
Affordable
Updated today
Index 43.1 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $1,896 / month
- Family of 4
- $3,967 / mo
- Student
- $1,114 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Buffalo
Adjust the household and see the gap or surplus vs. typical local pay.
Interactive
You need at least
$0 / month
Annual gross (25% tax)
$0
vs. local average net salary
$3,524 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Buffalo | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Buffalo | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Buffalo | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Buffalo | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Buffalo | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Buffalo | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Buffalo | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Buffalo | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Buffalo | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Buffalo | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Buffalo FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Buffalo. |
Rent & Property Prices in Buffalo
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $1,654 | $1,400 – $2,190 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $1,102 | $1,000 – $1,500 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $2,346 | $1,600 – $3,740 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $1,610 | $1,430 – $2,000 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $3,065 | $1,970 – $3,430 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $1,727 | $1,470 – $2,153 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $1,654$1,400 – $2,190
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $1,102$1,000 – $1,500
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $2,346$1,600 – $3,740
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $1,610$1,430 – $2,000
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $3,065$1,970 – $3,430
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $1,727$1,470 – $2,153
Grocery Prices in Buffalo
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $0.95 | $0.53 – $2.00 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $4.09 | $1.64 – $5.51 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $5.57 | $2.62 – $8.82 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $4.30 | $2.00 – $6.78 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $14 | $9.81 – $44 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $9.87 | $4.41 – $13 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $16 | $8.58 – $21 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $4.84 | $2.00 – $8.80 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $1.58 | $1.10 – $2.00 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $4.52 | $1.96 – $7.72 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $5.14 | $2.84 – $5.49 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $2.70 | $1.32 – $3.31 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $3.00 | $2.20 – $3.73 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $2.35 | $2.24 – $2.69 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $2.40 | $2.00 – $5.37 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $18 | $16 – $25 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $2.06 | $1.31 – $2.30 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $4.00 | $2.33 – $9.00 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $15 | $10 – $15 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $0.95$0.53 – $2.00
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $4.09$1.64 – $5.51
- White Rice (1 kg) $5.57$2.62 – $8.82
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $4.30$2.00 – $6.78
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $14$9.81 – $44
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $9.87$4.41 – $13
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $16$8.58 – $21
- Apples (1 kg) $4.84$2.00 – $8.80
- Bananas (1 kg) $1.58$1.10 – $2.00
- Oranges (1 kg) $4.52$1.96 – $7.72
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $5.14$2.84 – $5.49
- Potatoes (1 kg) $2.70$1.32 – $3.31
- Onions (1 kg) $3.00$2.20 – $3.73
- Lettuce (1 Head) $2.35$2.24 – $2.69
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $2.40$2.00 – $5.37
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $18$16 – $25
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $2.06$1.31 – $2.30
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $4.00$2.33 – $9.00
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $15$10 – $15
Public Transport & Car Costs in Buffalo
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $2.00 | $2.00 – $2.50 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $75 | $75 – $150 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $5.30 | $2.30 – $5.30 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $2.24 | $1.86 – $2.24 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $45 | $41 – $45 |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $0.91 | $0.83 – $1.17 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $35,458 | $33,921 – $35,458 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $25,094 | $25,009 – $25,348 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $2.00$2.00 – $2.50
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $75$75 – $150
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $5.30$2.30 – $5.30
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $2.24$1.86 – $2.24
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $45$41 – $45
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $0.91$0.83 – $1.17
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $35,458$33,921 – $35,458
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $25,094$25,009 – $25,348
Utility & Internet Costs in Buffalo
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $312 | $219 – $500 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $52 | $20 – $75 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $67 | $50 – $90 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $312$219 – $500
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $52$20 – $75
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $67$50 – $90
Childcare & Preschool in Buffalo
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $1,513 | $1,500 – $1,580 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $32,450 | $32,450 – $32,450 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $1,513$1,500 – $1,580
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $32,450$32,450 – $32,450
Clothing Prices in Buffalo
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $53 | $35 – $56 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $45 | $30 – $50 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $115 | $45 – $150 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $113 | $75 – $150 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $53$35 – $56
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $45$30 – $50
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $115$45 – $150
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $113$75 – $150
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Buffalo
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $36 | $22 – $50 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $57 | $45 – $60 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $13 | $12 – $15 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $36$22 – $50
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $57$45 – $60
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $13$12 – $15
Restaurant Prices in Buffalo
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $25 | $18 – $50 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $80 | $65 – $140 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $12 | $12 – $13 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $5.50 | $3.00 – $9.00 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $7.00 | $5.00 – $9.00 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $5.70 | $3.50 – $14 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $2.80 | $2.25 – $3.50 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $2.12 | $2.00 – $2.75 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $25$18 – $50
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $80$65 – $140
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $12$12 – $13
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $5.50$3.00 – $9.00
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $7.00$5.00 – $9.00
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $5.70$3.50 – $14
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $2.80$2.25 – $3.50
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $2.12$2.00 – $2.75
Salaries & Mortgages in Buffalo
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $3,524 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 6.07% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $3,524
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 6.07%
Compare Buffalo with…
Pick any city to see costs side by side.
Related cities
Similar cost tier, nearby, or in the same country.
United States
Boise
Monthly / 1 person
$1,897
vs NYC
43.1/100
United States
Knoxville
Monthly / 1 person
$1,895
vs NYC
43.1/100
United States
Fort-Collins
Monthly / 1 person
$1,891
vs NYC
43/100
United States
Minneapolis
Monthly / 1 person
$1,889
vs NYC
42.9/100
United States
Raleigh
Monthly / 1 person
$1,912
vs NYC
43.5/100
United States
Eugene
Monthly / 1 person
$1,918
vs NYC
43.6/100
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Buffalo?
- An estimated $1,896 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Buffalo. A family of four needs around $3,967 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $1,114.
- How much money do I need to live in Buffalo?
- Plan for at least $1,896 per month as a single person, $3,967 per month for a family of four, or $1,114 per month as a student in shared accommodation. Add 15–25% on top for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending — that's the salary you should be targeting before relocating to Buffalo.
- What is the average rent in Buffalo?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Buffalo rents for around $1,654 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $2,346 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Buffalo?
- The average monthly net salary in Buffalo is around $3,524. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 47% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Buffalo?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Buffalo costs around $25. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $92 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($0.95/L) and bread ($4.09/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Buffalo?
- A monthly public transport pass in Buffalo costs around $75. Cities with extensive metro and bus networks generally let residents skip car ownership entirely, particularly when commuting from areas outside the city centre.
- Is the internet expensive in Buffalo?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Buffalo costs around $67 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.