| Index | Syracuse | New York | National |
| Cost of living | 95 | 121 | 100 |
| Groceries | 105 | 106 | 100 |
| Health care | 110 | 110 | 100 |
| Housing | 63 | 144 | 100 |
| Transportation | 110 | 113 | 100 |
| Utilities | 114 | 112 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 108 | 111 | 100 |
| Household Items | 105 | 106 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 117 | 118 | 100 |

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.
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? 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.
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.
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 index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| 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 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| New York | 4% | 8.875% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| New York | 4% | 10.9% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Bridgeport, NY | 1,382 | 89 | 11.2% |
| Lyncourt, NY | 4,034 | 95 | 4.6% |
| Phoenix, NY | 2,696 | 96 | 4.2% |
| East Syracuse, NY | 3,048 | 96 | 4.2% |
| Camillus, NY | 1,052 | 96 | 4.0% |
| Syracuse, NY | 146,063 | 95 | 4.5% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Fullerton, CA | 146,103 | 175 | 75.2% |
| Murfreesboro, TN | 146,103 | 109 | 9.1% |
| Dayton, OH | 145,927 | 82 | 17.9% |
| Kelowna, BC | 145,612 | n/a | |
| Pasadena, CA | 146,628 | 197 | 97.1% |
| Syracuse, NY | 146,063 | 95 | 4.5% |