Cost of Living in Buffalo Center, IA

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15%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
50%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Buffalo Center Iowa National
Cost of living8589100
Groceries10097100
Health care10196100
Housing5074100
Transportation9797100
Utilities10695100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9995100
Household Items9797100
Education & Childcare10494100
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Homes For Sale In Buffalo Center, IA

property for sale

508 4th St NW

Buffalo Center, IA
property for sale

509 2nd St SW

Buffalo Center, IA
property for sale

1998 450th St

Buffalo Center, IA
property for sale

413 2nd Ave SW

Buffalo Center, IA

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Buffalo Center is 4% lower than the Iowa average
  • The cost of living in Buffalo Center is 15% lower than the national average
  • Buffalo Center housing is 50% lower than the national average
  • Iowa general sales tax is 18% higher than the national average
  • Iowa state income tax is 69% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Buffalo Center

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      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$91,848$7,654$2,143$2,756
      Renters$0$0$0$0

      Iowa Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Iowa 6% 7%

      Iowa Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Iowa 4.4% 6%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Hayfield, IA581000.4%
      Walters, MN667723.0%
      Ledyard, IA857822.4%
      Woden, IA1847822.3%
      Lakota, IA4147921.5%
      Buffalo Center, IA9968514.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Eldridge, CA99618383.3%
      Start, LA9968515.1%
      Funkstown, MD9961010.8%
      Dollar Bay, MI996928.5%
      Aulander, NC9968118.6%
      Buffalo Center, IA9968514.6%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
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