Are you considering a move to Buffalo, New York, United States, and wondering about the cost of living? Buffalo, New York is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Buffalo, New York and help you understand whether $3525 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $3622.98.
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Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
20.0 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
77.5 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
10.0 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
5.88 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
7.0 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
4.96 $ |
|
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Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
2.22 $ |
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Water (12 oz small bottle) |
1.81 $ |
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Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
0.88 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
3.54 $ |
|
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Rice (white), (1 lb) |
7.28 $ |
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Eggs (regular) (12) |
3.28 $ |
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Local Cheese (1 lb) |
21.6 $ |
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Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
7.97 $ |
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Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
12.85 $ |
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Apples (1 lb) |
6.91 $ |
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Banana (1 lb) |
1.39 $ |
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Oranges (1 lb) |
4.32 $ |
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Tomato (1 lb) |
6.29 $ |
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Potato (1 lb) |
4.53 $ |
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Onion (1 lb) |
5.79 $ |
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Lettuce (1 head) |
3.55 $ |
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Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
2.04 $ |
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Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
12.0 $ |
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Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.96 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
5.46 $ |
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Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
12.0 $ |
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Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
2.0 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
75.0 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
3.0 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
1.86 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
35.75 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
0.97 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
30000.0 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
31626.5 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
214.93 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
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Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
71.28 $ |
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Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
36.18 $ |
|
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Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
40.17 $ |
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|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
14.5 $ |
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Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
1333.33 $ |
|
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International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
15666.67 $ |
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Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
53.8 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
34.62 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
90.21 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
100.8 $ |
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|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
1458.0 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
1340.0 $ |
|
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Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
2766.67 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
2100.0 $ |
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Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
9751.08 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
7528.22 $ |
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Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
3622.98 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
6.74 % |
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The monthly expenses for living in Buffalo, New York come to a total of approximately $3525. This includes an average monthly rent of around $1458 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $250 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $1108 per month.
Living in Buffalo, New York appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $3622.98. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Buffalo, New York, you would likely need an income exceeding $3622.98.
In Buffalo, New York, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $3622.98, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Buffalo, New York is approximately $1458. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $1340.0 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Buffalo, New York can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $864 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in United States can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout United States.
Much like people are surprised at how dangerous the buffalo animal is, Buffalo, New York, is also surprisingly risky. While crime numbers are dropping, it will take a while to get the city to a safe level. There's definitely a medium risk here. Crime is generally fueled by poverty, drugs, and gangs. The city has a 28% poverty rate with an average income of less than $40,000. It's still an amazing city to see, but there are definite warnings that come with it.
Metro Bus & Rail is the public transportation system. There's a trolley to Niagara Falls and an express route to the airport. It is overseen by the NFTA Police Department, so for safety, you can feel safe that there's a localized police presence in addition to Buffalo police. Taxis and rideshares are available. You can also choose to rent a car. Buffalo drivers can be aggressive, and you'll need to know how to parallel park. There's a medium risk because of high crime rates, aggressive drivers, and winter driving challenges.
24 pickpockets or purse snatchings were reported in 2021. The theft risk is one in 52. On top of that, the robbery rate is nearly three times the national average, so if someone can't take something from you nonchalantly, there's a chance they'll take it from you by force. There's a medium risk, and please don't carry more than the absolute essentials and try to keep your purse from being a magnet for thieves.
Buffalo gets more than seven feet of snow each year, and people there are just used to it, making it even more dangerous for a tourist who might feel an unjustified sense of bravery going out in the heavy snow. While tornadoes aren't all that common, they do happen - as one hit near here in July of 2022. Flooding is also a concern during heavy rain or snow melt, but snow is really the big issue. There's a medium risk because it's really an overwhelming experience for those who aren't used to it.
There's a medium risk here too. As mentioned earlier, the robbery rate here is high, although the numbers have been cut in half since 2014. 65% of the robberies happened in public places, making it all the riskier for tourists. Don't ever fight back against a robber. You shouldn't risk your life over a mobile device or wallet. Be sure you write down the serial numbers of your phone ahead of time and enable any system that can track and shut down your phone if stolen.
Being so close to a major tourist attraction and near a major waterway will put it at medium risk, while it's not the largest potential target in the state. We've learned too sadly how prone New York City is to attacks.
While most of the reported scams are generally targeting the public, there are too many opportunities for scammers to target international crowds here. You should never have to buy gift cards to pay for anything, and you should never wire money ahead of time to reserve a rental. Only buy tickets to attractions directly from vendors, no matter how good the deal is.
Sexual assault rates have plummeted since 2018, but it's one crime area that is actually less than the national average. However, the high violent crime rates, in general, will make this a medium risk for women, especially with the wide variety of nightlife. Don't go out alone after dark and never walk alone. Use the buddy system and always tell someone who isn't with your group where you are going and when you plan to be back.
The 2021-2022 Water Quality Report shows full compliance in all the required areas for water quality. This is the only area in the Buffalo review that will get a low risk.
You'll need a U.S. Travel Visa to cross the border or to enter the U.S. by air or boat. That's in addition to your passport. Be sure to keep it in a safe place for the return trip, as reporting a lost visa is a lengthy process.
You can only use the U.S. Dollar here. If you cross into Canada, you can actually buy some duty-free items, but be sure to check the rules of Border Patrol about that point. Avoid carrying cash. There's really no reason to be in Buffalo.
There's a lot of winter to soak in on a visit to Buffalo. Even March, which is traditionally thought of as spring, is when the frozen lakes and rivers are at their hardest points. Snow can sometimes shut the city down briefly as crews dig out of it, and temperatures can be dangerously cold. Bring plenty of warm layers. Summers are warm but not always hot, and you'll still want your favorite jacket or hoodie for cool nights and mornings.
The Buffalo airport is on the northeast side of the city, just 15 minutes from downtown. You can get there by car or rail line.
You should consider travel insurance, but it's a must in the winter. Winter storms can shut down air traffic across the northeast and leave people stranded at airports for days.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 32°F | 33°F | 42°F | 55°F | 66°F | 75°F | 79°F | 78°F | 71°F | 59°F | 48°F | 37°F |
| Temp | 26°F | 26°F | 34°F | 46°F | 58°F | 67°F | 72°F | 70°F | 63°F | 52°F | 42°F | 31°F |
| Low | 21°F | 21°F | 28°F | 39°F | 50°F | 59°F | 64°F | 63°F | 56°F | 45°F | 36°F | 27°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 0°C | 0°C | 5°C | 12°C | 18°C | 23°C | 26°C | 25°C | 21°C | 15°C | 8°C | 2°C |
| Temp | -3°C | -3°C | 1°C | 7°C | 14°C | 19°C | 22°C | 21°C | 17°C | 11°C | 5°C | 0°C |
| Low | -6°C | -6°C | -2°C | 3°C | 10°C | 15°C | 17°C | 17°C | 13°C | 7°C | 2°C | -2°C |