A+
5%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
37%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Syracuse New York National
Cost of living95121100
Groceries105106100
Health care110110100
Housing63144100
Transportation110113100
Utilities114112100
Lifestyle & Entertainment108111100
Household Items105106100
Education & Childcare117118100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Syracuse, NY

The cost of living in Syracuse affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Syracuse is 95, which is 5% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

The cost of living in Syracuse aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, household expenses, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Syracuse residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Syracuse?

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 18 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Syracuse. The results indicated that 72% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 28% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is Syracuse Affordable?

Is Syracuse affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Syracuse, the median home price is 47.1% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 12.6% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Syracuse boasting a median household income of $56,925, 30% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Syracuse?

Taxes: Areas with higher taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes, can contribute to a higher cost of living. Paying more tax for everyday household expenses like clothing and food will result in higher costs, as will paying a higher rate of income tax. The general sales tax rate in Syracuse starts at 4% and the income tax rates start at 4%.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Syracuse, the utilities index is 13.5% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Syracuse cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Syracuse is 21% lower than the New York average
  • The cost of living in Syracuse is 5% lower than the national average
  • Syracuse housing is 37% lower than the national average
  • New York general sales tax is 22% lower than the national average
  • New York state income tax is 54% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Syracuse

See all the best places to live around Syracuse

Compare Syracuse, NY Cost of Living

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      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$101,693$8,474$2,373$3,051
      Renters$39,659$3,305$925$1,190
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Syracuse, NY, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Syracuse have a median income of $101,693. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,373 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $39,659, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $925.

      New York Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      New York 4% 8.875%

      New York Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      New York 4% 10.9%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Bridgeport, NY1,3828911.2%
      Lyncourt, NY4,034954.6%
      Phoenix, NY2,696964.2%
      East Syracuse, NY3,048964.2%
      Camillus, NY1,052964.0%
      Syracuse, NY146,063954.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Fullerton, CA146,10317575.2%
      Murfreesboro, TN146,1031099.1%
      Dayton, OH145,9278217.9%
      Kelowna, BC145,612n/a 
      Pasadena, CA146,62819797.1%
      Syracuse, NY146,063954.5%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.