Key Economic Benchmarks
Median Household Income
$50,041$4,170 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-YearFair market rent & 30% rule in Buffalo, NY
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Buffalo, NY
Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY MSA. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.
| Unit Size | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | 30% Rule Min. Income | % of Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $1,105 | $13,260 | $44,200 | 26.5% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $1,139 | $13,668 | $45,560 | 27.3% |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark | $1,343 | $16,116 | $53,720 | 32.2% |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,640 | $19,680 | $65,600 | 39.3% |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,869 | $22,428 | $74,760 | 44.8% |
50/30/20 Living Budget in Buffalo, NY
Based on the local median household income of $50,041/year ($4,170/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:
Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in New York
Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and New York state income tax based on the local median baseline.
Related Regional & Financial Profiles
Compare earnings and living costs across New York with official federal datasets:
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Buffalo, NY
What is the median household income in Buffalo, NY?
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Buffalo, NY is $50,041 per year (approximately $4,170 per month).
What is the average rent in Buffalo, NY?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Buffalo, NY are $1,105 for a studio, $1,139 for 1 bedroom, $1,343 for 2 bedrooms, $1,640 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,869 for 4 bedrooms.
How does the cost of living in Buffalo, NY compare to the national average?
Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Buffalo, NY is 95.8 (4.2% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).
How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Buffalo, NY?
Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,343/month) in Buffalo, NY requires a minimum gross household income of $53,720 per year ($4,477 per month).
What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Buffalo, NY?
For a typical household earning the median income of $50,041/year ($4,170/month) in Buffalo, NY, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,085/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,251/month to discretionary spending, and $834/month to savings and debt repayment.
What are typical electricity and utility costs in Buffalo, NY?
Residential electricity rates in New York average 29.5¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $265 per month.