Salary & Cost of Living in Buffalo, NY
Buffalo, NY: $55,000 median salary, cost of living index 88, $16.50/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$55,000
$26/hr
Cost of Living
88
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$16.50
per hour
Unemployment
4.5%
rate
Buffalo, NY Overview
Population
278,349
Median Salary
$55,000
Average Salary
$61,000
Avg Commute
22 min
Median Home Price
$185,000
Median Rent
$1,000/mo
Job Growth
+1.2%
Sales Tax
8%
Buffalo is located in New York with a population of 278,349. The median household salary is $55,000 per year ($26/hour), which is $4,384 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +1.2%.
Buffalo Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Buffalo, NY, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$42,750
$3,562.46/month · $1,644.21/biweekly · Effective Rate: 22.3%
Gross Pay
$55,000
Federal Tax
-$4,562
State Tax
-$3,481
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$4,208
Net Pay
$42,750
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $4,583.33 | $55,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$380.13 | -$4,561.50 |
| New York State Tax (6.33%) | -$290.12 | -$3,481.50 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$284.17 | -$3,410.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$66.46 | -$797.50 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,562.46 | $42,749.50 |
Salary Comparison: Buffalo vs Other Cities
See how Buffalo's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo, NY | $55,000 | 88 | $62,500 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Santa Ana, CA | $55,000 | 150 | $36,667 |
| Ontario, CA | $55,000 | 108 | $50,926 |
| New Haven, CT | $55,000 | 115 | $47,826 |
| Cape Coral, FL | $55,000 | 98 | $56,122 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Buffalo
Buffalo's cost of living index is 88 (national average = 100). Living in Buffalo is 12% less expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$185,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,000
Annual Rent Cost
$12,000
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $42,750 annual take-home pay in Buffalo has the purchasing power of approximately $48,579 in an average-cost US area. Your $55,000 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in Buffalo
Buffalo's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $55,000.
Salary Tips for Buffalo Workers
- Your salary goes further here. Buffalo has a cost of living 12% below the national average. A salary of $55,000 here has the purchasing power of about $62,500 in an average-cost area.
- Maximize pre-tax deductions. With a 6.33% state income tax rate, maximizing 401(k) contributions (up to $23,500 in 2026) and HSA contributions can significantly reduce both your federal and state tax burden.
- Research top industries. Buffalo's top industries include Healthcare, Education, Finance. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $55,000 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
Explore Salaries Across the US
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Buffalo, NY?
The median salary in Buffalo, NY is $55,000 per year, or $26 per hour. The average salary is $61,000. This is $4,384 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Buffalo, NY?
Buffalo's cost of living index is 88 (national average = 100), meaning it is 12% less expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $185,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,000.
What are the best industries in Buffalo?
The top industries in Buffalo, NY include Healthcare, Education, Finance. The city has a job growth rate of 1.2% and an unemployment rate of 4.5%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $55,000.
How does Buffalo's salary compare to other cities?
Buffalo's median salary of $55,000 is 7.4% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 88), the real purchasing power is approximately $62,500.
What is the minimum wage in Buffalo, NY?
The minimum wage in Buffalo, NY is $16.50 per hour. This equals approximately $34,320 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This is $9.25 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.