Buffalo, NY Salary Guide: The Real Take-Home on $100k

You see the $100,000 salary offer. It’s a clean, six-figure benchmark. But in Buffalo, the gap between the sticker price and your actual spending power is wider than the Niagara River. New York State is a tax heavyweight, and that paycheck shrinks fast.

Here is the unvarnished math behind a six-figure salary in the Nickel City.

The Verification Test ($100,000 Analysis)

Let’s run the numbers through the 2026 tax grinder. We aren't looking at estimates; we are looking at the hard deduction reality.

The Gross vs. Net Breakdown:

• Sticker Price: $100,000
• Federal Tax: -$13,614
• FICA Tax: -$7,650
• State Tax (NY): -$5,500
• Local Tax: $0

The Reality Check:

• Total Annual Take-Home: $73,236
• Monthly Net Pay: $6,103

The Analysis:
You are losing 26.7% of your gross income just to taxes. That $26,764 gap between your gross and net isn't a rounding error—it’s a car payment. While there is no local city tax (a small win), the New York State tax of $5,500 does the heavy lifting here. You are paying a premium to work in the Empire State, and that needs to be factored into every financial decision you make.

Smart Budget Breakdown (50/30/20 Rule)

With $6,103 hitting your bank account every month, the standard 50/30/20 rule offers a roadmap. But does it hold up in Buffalo's specific market?

Needs: $3,052/Month

The Goal: Keep housing, utilities, insurance, and groceries under this cap.

The Reality: Buffalo is one of the few remaining markets where this is actually possible.

• Rent: You can secure a modern one-bedroom in Elmwood Village or Allentown for roughly $1,500–$1,800. That leaves a massive buffer for utilities and insurance compared to other cities.
• Purchasing Power: If you are aggressive with rent, you can easily bank $1,000+ monthly for a future down payment while living in this bucket. You are not "house poor" here.

Wants: $1,831/Month

The Goal: Dining, nightlife, Bills tickets, and discretionary spending.

The Reality: This is Buffalo’s playground. $1,831 is a heavy weight to lift if you try, meaning you can live very well. A season ticket package for the Bills or Sabres, frequent dinners at the Anchor Bar, and Uber rides across the skyline will barely make a dent. This is the tier where a $100k salary feels truly wealthy in Western New York.

Savings: $1,221/Month

The Goal: Investments, 401(k) matching, and emergency funds.

The Reality: This is your wealth engine. At $1,221/month, you are dumping $14,652 into the market annually.

• The Power Move: If you invest this in a low-cost index fund averaging 7% returns, you are on track to have roughly $205,000 in liquid assets in just 10 years (without employer matching).
• Verdict: This savings rate is healthy. It allows you to build wealth aggressively while enjoying a high standard of living.

Buffalo Taxes vs. The Competition

Is the 26.7% effective tax rate competitive? Let’s look at two major alternatives.

1. Buffalo vs. New York City:
If you moved that $100k salary to NYC, you’d face the "Double Tax"—NYC has its own municipal income tax on top of the state tax. You would likely lose another $1,500 to $2,000 annually. Buffalo is a tax haven compared to downstate.

2. Buffalo vs. Austin, Texas:
Texas has 0% State Income Tax.

• Austin Take-Home: ~$78,736 (approx. $79,736 minus FICA).
• Buffalo Take-Home: $73,236.
• The Gap: Austin keeps you about $5,500 richer per year.

However, Austin rent averages $1,800+ for a comparable unit. The "Buffalo Discount" on housing largely neutralizes the New York State Tax penalty. You trade tax dollars for lower housing costs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the income tax rate in Buffalo?
A: Buffalo residents pay Federal tax, FICA (7.65%), and New York State tax. For a $100k earner, the effective state tax rate is roughly 5.5% ($5,500). There is no additional Buffalo city income tax.

Q: Is $100k a good salary in Buffalo?
A: Yes. A $100k salary provides a net monthly income of $6,103. After allocating $3,052 for needs (housing/utilities), you have over $3,000 disposable income for savings and lifestyle, placing you in a strong financial position.

Q: Does Buffalo have a local city tax?
A: No. Unlike cities such as Cleveland or Philadelphia, the City of Buffalo does not levy a local income tax on residents. You only pay the standard New York State and Federal rates.

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• Methodology: Calculations based on IRS 2026 Tax Brackets (Standard Deduction applied), NYS Department of Taxation and Finance, and Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Consumer Expenditure Survey data for the Western NY region.
• Sources: IRS Revenue Procedure 2024-40 (Estimates), NYS Comptroller Regional Wage Data, U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey.