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Buffalo is located in the northwestern part of New York State, only 28 miles from the Canadian border and spectacular Niagara Falls. Seniors aged 65 and older make up over 12% of the population in Buffalo and have an array of interesting sights to keep them busy. Over $1 billion has been invested in the city, which is home to seven structures designed by pioneering American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, the Buffalo Waterfront, where seniors can enjoy freshwater fishing and other water adventures, and the Niagara River Strait, designated an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA).
Assisted living is usually a good option for seniors who enjoy a social environment and only need mild-to-moderate help with daily activities, such as eating and bathing. According to Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey, the average monthly cost of assisted living care in Buffalo is $4,741, which is within $250 of state and national averages.
This guide contains a comparison of assisted living prices throughout the state of New York and explores some options for related financial assistance. It also includes a convenient directory of supportive programs that target Buffalo seniors.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in New York. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
The average monthly cost of assisted living in Buffalo is $4,741.
Buffalo’s costs are slightly higher than state and national averages. Throughout New York, the average monthly price for assisted living care is $4,580, which is roughly 3% cheaper than Buffalo. The U.S. average is $4,500, which is 5% cheaper than rates in Buffalo.
The most expensive city in New York for assisted living is Watertown; at a reported average of $8,415, it’s roughly 44% costlier than Buffalo. Prices are also above the state average in New York City, at $5,720, and in state capital, Albany, where seniors pay an average of $5,269 monthly. Cities that fall below Buffalo’s price point include Utica, which is tied with the national average at $4,500, and Glens Falls, which is roughly 10% cheaper than Buffalo at $4,250 per month. Rochester reports some of the lowest prices in the state with an average of $3,775 monthly.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in New York.
| Contact | Description | |
| Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program | 1-855-582-6769 | Ombudsmen are well-trained citizens who volunteer to advocate for residents of long-term facilities, such as assisted living. They make sure seniors know and exercise their rights for adequate care and file complaints on behalf of seniors. |
| Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage Program (EPIC) | 1-800-332-3742 | Administered by the Department of Health, EPIC helps to defray the out-of-pocket costs associated with Medicare’s drug plan, Part D. |
| NYS Division of Veterans’ Services | 1-888-VETS-NYS(1-888-838-7697) | Advocates at the New York State Division of Veterans’ Services make sure veterans and their family receive all eligible benefits. |
| Going Places Transportation Program | (716) 858-7433 | The Department of Senior Services in Erie County runs this curb-to-curb van service for seniors who can’t take public transit. Rides are given for nonemergency medical appointments, grocery shopping, personal business and social activities. Donations of $3 – $6 per trip are appreciated. |
| Center for Law and Justice | (716) 853-3087 | Located in Buffalo, this center provides free legal services to seniors in nine Western New York counties, including Erie County. Services include health care advocacy, consumer protection and elder abuse prevention. |
| Erie County RSVP | (716) 858-7548 | This program connects seniors with over 90 nonprofit and public organizations where they can volunteer in the Buffalo area. |
| Senior Centers | (716) 858-8526 | There are eight senior centers in the city Buffalo where older adults can socialize with their peers while participating in fun activities, such as bus trips, recreational games and exercise classes. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Buffalo area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.
