Rent comparison · HUD FY2026

Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY MSA vs Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY MSA

How do Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY MSA and Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY MSA rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.

$1,139
Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY MSA (1BR)
$1,417
Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY MSA (1BR)
−20%
1BR difference

Side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent comparison. Data from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Metro
Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY MSA
$1,139/mo 1BR
Population: 1,163,462
Metro
Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY MSA
$1,417/mo 1BR
Population: 901,729

A 1-bedroom in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY MSA is 20% cheaper than Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY MSA at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($1,139 vs $1,417). Both figures are the 40th percentile of gross rents (utilities included, telephone excluded) set by HUD for the federal fiscal year 2026. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher payment standards in each area are set between 90% and 110% of these FMR numbers. Source: HUD Fair Market Rents.

How Do Rents Compare By Bedroom?

Bedrooms Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY MSA Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY MSA Difference
Studio $1,105 $1,217 −$112 (-9%)
1 Bedroom $1,139 $1,417 −$278 (-20%)
2 Bedroom $1,343 $1,702 −$359 (-21%)
3 Bedroom $1,640 $2,041 −$401 (-20%)
4 Bedroom $1,869 $2,253 −$384 (-17%)

vs US National Average

National average 1BR: $959. Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY MSA is 19% above the US average. Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY MSA is 48% above.

Sources: HUD Fair Market Rents FY 2026. Population and median income from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).