Cost of Living in Buffalo Center, IA

With a cost of living index of 59, Buffalo Center, IA is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 41% cheaper than the national average and 12% below the Iowa state average of 71. Buffalo Center is a small community of 1,000 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Buffalo Center's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $646 (51% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $93,800 (69% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 1.9x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Buffalo Center is $49,474, which is 34% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 16% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.