B
10%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
37%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Search Homes for Sale
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Syracuse New York National
Cost of living90117100
Goods & Services101108100
Groceries99102100
Health care103103100
Housing63145100
Transportation108105100
Utilities105100100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Syracuse, NY

Understanding the cost of living in Syracuse can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Syracuse cost of living index is 90, which is 10% lower than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

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, goods and services, 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?

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 17 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Syracuse. The feedback revealed that 71% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 29% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

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 48.1% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 12.5% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Syracuse boasting a median household income of $38,893, 29.7% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Syracuse?

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Syracuse, the healthcare costs are 3.2% higher than the national average.

Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Syracuse, the transportation index is 7.8% higher than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Syracuse, the groceries index is 1% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Syracuse cost of living data displayed above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index to provide a useful and reasonably accurate measure of living cost differences in urban areas. The index takes into account data from 300 independent researches, covering more than 60 goods and services across 6 different categories, to create an overall index for each area, with 100 being the average. The C2ER index does not include sales or income tax rates in their data, however AreaVibes does include both income and sales tax rates in the overall cost of living score for each area.

New Real Estate Listings in Syracuse Area
Search Homes for Sale in Syracuse, NY

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Syracuse is 23% lower than the New York average
  • The cost of living in Syracuse is 10% 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

      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Syracuse?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Syracuse?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Syracuse poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$67,672$5,639$1,579$2,030
      Renters$26,505$2,209$618$795
      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 $67,672. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $1,579 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $26,505, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $618.

      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%

      Goods & Services

      Item Syracuse National avg. Difference
      Haircut $20.03$24.2617.4%
      Beauty Salon $42.39$45.567.0%
      Toothpaste $3.62$3.702.2%
      Shampoo $1.33$1.284.1%
      Movie $13.27$12.139.4%
      Bowling $16.74$18.007.0%

      Groceries

      Item Syracuse National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.93$5.841.6%
      Fried Chicken $1.39$1.5711.4%
      Milk $4.71$4.670.8%
      Potatoes $5.13$4.933.9%
      Pizza $14.83$12.0922.7%
      Beer $10.15$10.412.5%

      Health Care

      Item Syracuse National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $160.58$125.6827.8%
      Doctor $115.23$135.7815.1%
      Dentist $110.48$113.292.5%
      Ibuprofen $10.49$10.651.5%
      Lipitor $530.04$468.6013.1%

      Housing

      Item Syracuse National avg. Difference
      Home Price $95,800.00$184,700.0048.1%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,384.28$2,346.691.6%
      Apartment Rent $830.00$949.0012.5%

      Transportation

      Item Syracuse National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.59$3.463.8%
      Tire Balancing $69.82$59.9216.5%

      Utilities

      Item Syracuse National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $166.89$193.9914.0%
      Phone $194.41$192.251.1%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Bridgeport, NY1,3418416.2%
      Lyncourt, NY3,952909.6%
      Camillus, NY1,015919.0%
      East Syracuse, NY2,938918.9%
      Galeville, NY4,175918.9%
      Syracuse, NY142,553909.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      McAllen, TX142,5578613.7%
      Whitby, ON142,607n/a 
      Mesquite, TX142,4291022.1%
      Milton, ON142,128n/a 
      Pasadena, CA142,01719191.3%
      Syracuse, NY142,553909.6%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.