Recently, I met a family whose decision to move to Buffalo was driven by their children's education. The key was finding a solid private school while simultaneously reducing housing prices and tuition costs in New York City. There are three main factors to consider.

The first is school performance. Nichols School, located in North Buffalo, is a private school that serves grades K-12. For the 2025-26 school year, tuition is $29,225 for grades 5-8 and $31,350 for grades 9-12 (according to official school data). The majority of the graduating class of 2025 went on to colleges in New York State, with around six students attending SUNY Buffalo, as well as Fordham University, Skidmore College, and Boston College. The college sports admission record is also impressive, with 16 graduates going on to NCAA sports or junior hockey teams, seven of whom are in Division 1.

The second factor is to check what the school offers in relation to tuition. Nichols School is known for its wide range of AP courses and small class sizes. AP allows high school students to take college-level courses and earn college credit based on their exam scores. Compared to the tuition of over $50,000 at top private schools in New York City, Nichols School's tuition is about half that. This means that families can afford private school tuition in Buffalo that would be out of reach in New York City with the same budget.

The third factor is housing prices. The median sale price in the North Buffalo area where Nichols School is located is $357,000, which has increased by 25.3% over the past year (according to Redfin). The average home price in Buffalo is $249,040, which has risen by 3.1% over the past year (Zillow, as of July 2026). The significant increase in North Buffalo compared to the city average indicates that school districts and school recognition are reflected in property values.

Ultimately, what this family confirmed was that instead of looking at the three factors separately, they should compare the total costs combined. When comparing the total of tuition and housing prices in New York City with those in Buffalo, the differences become clear.

For families looking to rent first, Buffalo is also a good option. As North Buffalo has seen a significant increase in sales prices, rental prices are also on the rise, so if planning for a long-term stay, it may be worth considering purchasing a home as well.

However, families moving from the South or West should keep in mind that winter heating costs and snow removal expenses are additional in Northern New York, including Buffalo. It's advisable to factor this into the budget ahead of time.

Property taxes also vary by area, so be sure to check recent tax bills whenever viewing properties.

Recently, Nichols School has had graduates attending 20 different colleges, with four of them being SUNY schools, indicating a high proportion of students continuing their education within New York State. It's worth noting that there are pathways to SUNY schools, which have lower tuition burdens, rather than only focusing on prestigious out-of-state universities.

Buffalo experiences longer winters and more snowfall compared to other regions of New York State. In addition to school commutes, when choosing a home, it's helpful to check if the driveway is easy to clear of snow and whether there is a garage.

North Buffalo is also close to top public school districts in the Buffalo area, in addition to Nichols School. If private school tuition is still a concern, comparing the GreatSchools ratings of public school districts in the same area is also an option. For families moving from New York City, it's a significant realization that they can find single-family homes with yards within the same budget. The ability to lower both tuition and housing costs is a key reason more families are considering Buffalo.

This article is not investment or legal advice. Tuition and property tax conditions can change annually, so it's advisable to verify with the school and professionals before finalizing any contracts.