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Cap Rate Analysis: Buffalo, NY

Investment metrics, interactive calculators, and data-driven analysis for Buffalo rental properties.

Moderate — source deals carefully
Based on $195,000 median price and $1,150/mo median rent
Est. Cap Rate
4.15%
1% Rule
0.59%
Fails
GRM
14.1x
Price / Income
4.6x

Market Data

Median Home Price$195,000
Median Monthly Rent$1,150
Property Tax Rate1.69%
Population278,349
Population Growth0.1% / yr
Median Household Income$42,400
Vacancy Rate6.2%
Annual Appreciation2.4%

Cap Rate Calculator — Buffalo

Pre-filled with Buffalo medians. Adjust to match a specific property.

Property Details
$
$
3–8% typical
%
Monthly Expenses
1.69% rate
$
$
8–10% of rent
$
8–12% of rent
$
Cap Rate
3.27%Low
Net Operating Income ÷ Purchase Price
NOI / Year
$6,380
net operating income
Gross Rent Multiplier
14.1x
Good (<15)
1% Rule
0.59%
✗ Fails
Monthly Cash Flow
$532
before debt service
Annual Breakdown
Gross Rental Income$13,800
Less Vacancy−$856
Effective Income$12,944
Less Operating Expenses−$6,564
Net Operating Income$6,380

Cash-on-Cash Return — Buffalo

Factor in financing to see your actual return on invested capital in Buffalo.

$
$48,750
%
%
years
$
taxes + ins + maint + mgmt
$
$
Cash-on-Cash Return
-6.30%Weak
Annual Cash Flow ÷ Total Cash Invested
Total Cash Invested
$54,600
$48,750 down + $5,850 closing
Monthly Mortgage
$953
on $146K loan
Monthly Cash Flow
$-286
after all expenses
Annual Cash Flow
$-3,437
before taxes
Cash Flow Breakdown
Monthly Rent$1,150
Less Expenses−$483
Less Mortgage−$953
Monthly Cash Flow$-286

Is Buffalo a Good Place to Invest in Rental Property?

Buffalo, NY has a population of 278,349 and has been growing at 0.1% annually — roughly in line with national trends, meaning demand is stable but not exceptional. The median home price of $195,000 paired with median rents of $1,150/mo produces an estimated cap rate of 4.15%.

Property taxes at 1.69% are notably high and represent a significant drag on cash flow — model this expense carefully, as it can make or break a deal. The vacancy rate of 6.2% is moderate and within normal parameters for a healthy rental market.

At a price-to-income ratio of 4.6x, homes cost about 4.6 times the local median income of $42,400. This moderate ratio indicates a balanced rent-vs-buy market. Home values have appreciated at roughly 2.4% annually. Steady appreciation means total returns will be primarily cash flow-driven — the more sustainable model for long-term wealth building.

Bottom line: Buffalo presents moderate opportunities. Cap rates near 4.15% mean deals need careful sourcing — look for value-add rehabs or emerging neighborhoods where rents are climbing.

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