Travel Nurse Pay in Buffalo, New York: 2026 Cost of Living & GSA Rates
Economic analysis: GSA housing caps, average rent, and profitability verdict for travel nurses in Buffalo.
Last updated: February 21, 2026
Economics Verdict
Profitable: Buffalo Travel Nursing
GSA Housing Cap (Weekly)
$924/wk
≈ $4,000.92/mo
Avg Rent (1BR)
$950/mo
Margin
+$3,050.92/mo
Stipend covers rent
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
Estimate your take-home pay, taxes, and blended rate in seconds.
Same state assignment. You'll pay 10.9% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$58.89
Based on 36 hours in NY.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,120
Taxable Weekly Income
$720
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$251
True Net Weekly Pay
$1,869
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$24,293
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$48,587
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$97,173
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$1,869
per week
Taxes
$251
per week
Total Gross: $2,120 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$1,000
≈ $4,330/month
Est. 1BR Rent in New York
$2,000
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$2,330
Your stipend covers rent with $2,330 left over each month.
Find apartments under $2,000/month in New York City:
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Cost of Living Analysis in New York
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. New York's cost of living is higher than the national average by 39.1 points.
💡 High cost of living area. Ensure your pay compensates for the increased expenses.
Housing Cost: Very High
Utilities: High
Rent data based on 2025 market averages. Actual rent may vary by neighborhood and housing type.
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Travel Nurse Pay in Buffalo
Average Hourly Rate
$54/hr
Average Weekly Pay
$2,160
GSA Lodging Rate
$132/night
GSA Meal Rate
$64/day
Cost of Living in Buffalo
Cost of Living Index
88.1 (Below National Average)
Studio
$800/mo
1 Bedroom
$950/mo
2 Bedroom
$1200/mo
Top Hospitals in Buffalo
- 🏥 Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
- 🏥 Kaleida Health
- 🏥 Catholic Health
In-Demand Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do travel nurses make in Buffalo, New York?
Travel nurses in Buffalo typically earn between $49 and $64 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $54/hr. When including tax-free stipends, the blended hourly rate ranges from $59-74 per hour.
What are the GSA rates for Buffalo, New York?
The GSA per diem rates for Buffalo are: Lodging: $132/night, Meals: $64/day, and Incidentals: $5/day. These rates determine the maximum tax-free stipend amounts travel nurses can receive. For official rates, visit [GSA.gov](https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates).
What is the cost of living in Buffalo?
The cost of living index in Buffalo is 88.1, which is below the national average. Average rent ranges from $800 for a studio to $1200 for a two-bedroom apartment.
What hospitals hire travel nurses in Buffalo?
Top hospitals in Buffalo that frequently hire travel nurses include Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Kaleida Health, Catholic Health, and others. These facilities offer competitive pay rates and excellent working conditions for travel nurses.
What specialties are in demand in Buffalo?
The most in-demand specialties for travel nurses in Buffalo include ICU, ER, Med-Surg. These specialties typically offer higher pay rates and more contract opportunities.
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