Buffalo, New York

📍 👥 Pop. 276,688 🏠 ZIP 14201
72
/100
ReloCompare™
Median Income
$46,184
per household/year
Home Value
$132,100
median
Rent
$942
per month
Unemployment
4.6%
vs 3.7% national
Air Quality
31
Good
Internet
N/A
Mbps max • No fiber

📋 Living in Buffalo, NY — Overview

Very Affordable Mild Summers

Buffalo, New York scores 72.8/100 on ReloCompare™, indicating a solid overall quality of life across key metrics. With 276,688 residents, it's a mid-size city that balances urban amenities with a more manageable pace of life. Housing is notably affordable here — the home price-to-income ratio of 2.9x is well below the national average, making homeownership realistic for many residents. The area has seen 11 federally declared disasters over 20 years, representing moderate natural risk.

💰 Exceptional value — top-tier affordability score

Score Breakdown

💰 Affordability
100
Home Value: $132,100
Rent: $942/mo
Electricity: ¢/kWh
💼 Job Market
45
Unemployment: 4.6%
Median Income: $46,184
Job Growth: % YoY
🌡️ Climate
50
Summer High: °F
Winter Low: °F
Sunny Days: /year
🌿 Environment
90
Air Quality: AQI 31 (Good)
Toxic Sites: 0 in area
Water: No violations ✓
🌐 Infrastructure
50
Internet: N/A Mbps
Fiber: Not available
Solar: kWh/m²/day
⚠️ Natural Risks
95
Disasters (20yr): 11
Flood Zone: None
Earthquake: Low
💰 Affordability Analysis: Buffalo stands out as highly affordable — the home price-to-income ratio of 2.9x is well below the national median of roughly 5x. Renters spend about 24% of household income on housing, leaving more room for savings and discretionary spending.
⚠️ Safety Analysis: With 11 federal disaster declarations in 20 years, natural disaster risk in Buffalo is elevated. Budget for comprehensive insurance and consider flood zone status.
🌿 Environment Analysis: Air quality in Buffalo is excellent with a current AQI of 31 — well within EPA's "Good" range, ideal for outdoor exercise and those with respiratory sensitivities.
📊 See Full City Rankings →

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🎯 What Makes Buffalo Stand Out

Buffalo's strongest attributes are affordability and safety, where it outperforms many comparable cities. Areas where Buffalo faces challenges include job market — factors to weigh against its strengths when making your decision. Overall, Buffalo may be the best fit for budget-conscious families, safety-conscious retirees.


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