RentDataNowRentDataNow
City Report · NY

Buffalo

Pop. 276,854·104th most expensive in New York·Rental market data updated monthly for Buffalo, NY
Median rent (all units)
$1,430/mo
Year-over-Year
+5.0%
Month-over-Month
+1.1%
vs US Median
-$535
Rising (Monthly)
Be the first to discuss Buffalo rents ↓
Most AffordableMost Expensive
Buffalo · $1,430
More affordable than 80% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
53/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are right about where Buffalo's 10-year trend predicts.

Actual rent
$1,430/mo
Expected by trend
$1,449/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Buffalo's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$993
1 BR
$1,029
2 BR
$1,209
3 BR
$1,480
4 BR+
$1,670
Research median
$1,209/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

Loading…

Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$17,160/yr
At $1,430/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 5.0% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+5.0% YoY, +1.1% MoM), not inventory.
Rent check

Is your rent fair?

Compare your rent to the local median.

Demographics

Who lives here

Buffalo, NY is majority renter-occupied, has a median income below the national average, 31.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
276,854
Median income
$50,041
Median age
34.3
Renters
57%
Age distribution
22.3%
28.7%
23.2%
14.2%
Under 1822.3%
18–3428.7%
35–5423.2%
55–6411.6%
65+14.2%
Gender
47.7%
52.3%
Male47.7%
Female52.3%
Race & ethnicity
44.3%
32.2%
12.3%
White44.3%
Black32.2%
Hispanic12.3%
Asian8.8%
Other2.4%
Education (25+)
13%
27%
28.8%
31.2%
No HS diploma13%
HS diploma27%
Some college28.8%
Bachelor's+31.2%
Housing tenure
43%
57%
Owner43%
Renter57%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Buffalo, NY has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,033 → $1,430
up 38.4%
Income
$42,186 → $50,041
up 18.6%
Population
276,011 → 276,854
up 0.3%
Renter share
57.3% → 57%
-0.3 pts
Bachelor's+
29.4% → 31.2%
+1.8 pts

Since 2021, the typical rent in Buffalo, NY has climbed from $1,033 to $1,430, a 38.4% change over five years. On the earnings side, the typical household in Buffalo, NY now reports about $50,041, up from $42,186 in 2021. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Buffalo, NY reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

Discussions about Buffalo

No discussions yet. Start the conversation.

View Buffalo rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Buffalo on your salary?

At $1,430/mo, how Buffalo rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Buffalo rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Buffalo. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Buffalo

About renting in Buffalo, NY

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Buffalo is $1,430/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $993/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,209/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,029/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,480/mo.

At 34% of local median household income ($50,041/yr), Buffalo ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 5.0% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Buffalo an affordable city for renters?

Buffalo is considered moderate for renters. At $1,430/mo, rent takes approximately 34% of the local median household income ($50,041/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Buffalo slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Buffalo?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $57,000/year (~$27/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,430/mo in Buffalo. The local median household income is $50,041/yr, meaning the typical Buffalo household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Buffalo?

Rent in Buffalo has increased 5.0% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Buffalo neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Buffalo are 14206 ($1,106/mo), 14227 ($1,187/mo), and 14215 ($1,233/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Buffalo is $1,430/mo.

How does Buffalo rent compare to other cities in New York?

Buffalo is one of the more affordable cities in New York for rent, ranking #104 out of 126 tracked cities at $1,430/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Buffalo?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Buffalo ($1,430/mo): North Tonawanda ($1,173/mo), Tonawanda ($1,281/mo).

What percentage of Buffalo residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 57% of Buffalo households are renters, while 43% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Buffalo has a strong rental market.

How does Buffalo rent compare to the national average?

Buffalo's median rent of $1,430/mo is $535 (27%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within New York, it ranks #104 out of 126 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
34%
MODERATE

At $1,430/mo, rent takes ~34% of Buffalo's median household income ($50,041/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Buffalo 34%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4–10.9%
Run the Buffalo affordability calculator →
Compare

How does this area stack up?

Pick another city or ZIP to compare.

Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Buffalo, NY

Recent submissions

Be the first to submit your rent for Buffalo.

Recent discussions

No discussions yet.