Buffalo, NY · Housing Resource

Rent Affordability Calculator by Buffalo Rent Cooperative

Enter your income and expenses to find your affordable rent range, understand your AMI band, and compare rents across Buffalo-area neighborhoods.

How to Read Your Results
⚠️
If you're below 50% AMI

Your income falls in HUD's "Very Low Income" range, which means most market-rate rents in Buffalo would take up an unsafe portion of your budget. You likely qualify for subsidized housing programs — including Section 8 vouchers, BMHA public housing, and income-restricted units. The advisory box below will appear automatically with links to apply.

🔴
If all neighborhoods show "Over Budget"

Your maximum Low Risk rent is currently below the Fair Market Rent for every neighborhood listed. This doesn't mean housing is impossible — it may mean adjusting expenses, increasing income over time, or exploring subsidized options. Try updating your expense inputs to see how small changes affect your results.

🟢
If all neighborhoods show "Within Budget"

You have strong flexibility in where you choose to live in the Buffalo area. At this income level, your decision can be driven by preference — commute, neighborhood feel, schools, or amenities — rather than budget. Just keep in mind that FMRs are benchmarks; newer or high-demand units may still run higher.

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How risk ratings are calculated: Each row's risk level is based on how much of your net income remains after rent and all entered expenses. 🟢 Low Risk means at least 20% remains, 🟡 Moderate Risk means 10–19%, 🟠 High Risk means 5–9%, and 🔴 Very High Risk means less than 5%. These thresholds are general guidelines drawn from common budgeting frameworks — they are not financial advice. Everyone's situation is different, and this tool is intended as a starting point for your housing search, not a definitive determination of what you can or cannot afford.

Your Information
Income
Utilities
Utilities included in rent?
Monthly Expenses
Target Rent (optional)
Calculated Totals
Total Monthly Expenses$0
Remaining Before Rent$0
Summary
Affordable Range
Enter income
Your AMI Band
—
Risk Range
—
Target Rent Match
No target set
⚠️ You may qualify for subsidized housing

Your income is below 50% AMI for your household size. Consider applying to these Buffalo-area programs:

Tip: Waitlists can be long — apply to multiple programs simultaneously.

Where Do You Fall? — 2025–2026 Buffalo MSA Area Median Income (HUD)
Household Size 50% AMI / mo 80% AMI / mo 100% AMI / mo Your Band
Rent Affordability Table — 20% to 60% of Net Income (5% increments)
% of Net Max Rent Rent + Expenses Remaining Risk Rating
Affordable Neighborhoods — FMR Comparison by Neighborhood

Fair Market Rents (FMRs) are HUD's 40th-percentile estimates for standard-quality units. Bedroom size is matched to your household size. They are benchmarks, not actual rents — prices vary by condition, location, and landlord.

Neighborhood Avg FMR Max Low Risk Rent Difference Status
References & Notes
Utility estimate ($150–$250/month) sourced from Sheridan Brothers Moving, Cost of Living in Buffalo NY (2024).
AMI figures sourced from HUD USER, FY 2025–2026 Income Limits for the Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls, NY MSA (effective April 2025). Verify annually at huduser.gov.
FMR data sourced from HUD USER. Neighborhood groupings drawn from the FMR analysis on buffalorentcoop.com.
FMR rates are statistical estimates and do not represent actual rents for specific properties. This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.