The Buffalo-Niagara Region

Affordable Living

It’s easy to stretch your dollar in Buffalo, where the costs of living and housing are well below national averages.

Two female students sit on the couch studying in the living room of a typical Buffalo apartment. A fireplace appears on the right of the room.

In Western New York, you can enjoy the perks of city living without the hefty price tag. Our cost of living is 14 percent below the national average, thanks to extremely affordable housing and a healthy ratio of income to living costs.

A Buyer’s (and Renter’s) Market

More about the Buffalo-Niagara Region:

Looking for safe, convenient, affordable neighborhoods? Western New York boasts a wealth of them.

Our region is among the five most affordable housing markets in the United States. The median price for a single family home is one-third lower than the national median.

A wide range of housing options are available in urban, suburban and small-town settings. Our housing market is as diverse as it is affordable. Your options include:

Downtown lofts
Convenient-to-campus apartment complexes and rental homes
Turn-of-the-century Victorians
Suburban family homes in friendly neighborhoods
Patio homes
Waterfront condominiums
Rural living

Searchable UB database of rental units

Relocation Destination

Sperling’s BestPlaces counts Buffalo among the top five cities to relocate to in America. Among the reasons cited:

Stable foundational economy
Economic growth in health care and education
Lower-than-average home prices
Cultural and recreational scene
Extensive park system

Learn more about UB’s Home Loan Guaranty Program for UB employees

Things to Do

Outdoor Recreation

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Hiking, skiing, water sports and more: The area’s outdoor scene offers an array of opportunities to be active year-round. We’ve got top-rated golf courses, not to mention Lake Erie and the Niagara River.
Sports

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Buffalo is home to two major professional sports teams—the National Football League’s Buffalo Bills and the National Hockey League’s Buffalo Sabres—and some of the world’s most spirited fans.
Food and Dining

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Chicken wings put our city on the culinary map, but there’s much more to Buffalo’s diverse food scene. A broad selection of upscale restaurants and ethnic eateries reflects the region’s cultural mix.
Nightlife

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From quaint pubs and cozy corner coffeehouses to stylish dance clubs and eclectic live-music joints, you’re sure to find a scene in one of several distinct districts that suits your style and your budget.
Arts and Culture

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World-class galleries, a robust theater scene and music for every ear make Western New York a major arts destination. Our riches include the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, BPO and Shea's.
History and Museums

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Stand where Theodore Roosevelt took the oath of office. Gaze at the terminus of the Erie Canal. Wander through a fort that played a pivotal role in the French and Indian War.