Cost of Living in Syracuse, NY
Population 146,211 · New York · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in Syracuse run well below national norms — a median of $45,845 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $125,000). At 7.5%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Syracuse
The median home value in Syracuse is $125,100 — 59% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $998/month, 24% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $45,845/year is 39% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.5%, above the national average of 4.8%. New York's top state income tax rate is 10.9% and the combined sales tax is 8.5%. The climate averages highs of 57.6°F and lows of 39.4°F, with about 127.8" of annual snowfall. Overall, Syracuse has a cost of living index of 55 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 45% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 32 | 34 | 42 | 56 | 69 | 77 | 82 | 80 | 73 | 60 | 48 | 37 |
| Low °F | 17 | 18 | 25 | 36 | 47 | 57 | 62 | 60 | 53 | 42 | 33 | 24 |
| Precip" | 2.58 | 2.46 | 3.04 | 3.48 | 3.42 | 3.56 | 3.86 | 3.70 | 3.38 | 3.89 | 3.23 | 3.28 |
| Snow" | 34.0 | 30.3 | 19.8 | 3.0 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 9.8 | 30.6 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Syracuse, NY?
Syracuse has a cost index of 55 (100 = national average). It is 45% below the national average.
What is average rent in Syracuse, NY?
The median gross rent in Syracuse is $998 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Syracuse?
The median home value in Syracuse is $125,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Syracuse?
The median household income in Syracuse is $45,845 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Syracuse, NY?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Syracuse is 8.5%. The New York state income tax top rate is 10.9%.
Is Syracuse, NY affordable?
Yes, Syracuse is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 55 — about 45% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Syracuse?
Syracuse has average high temperatures of 57.6°F and average lows of 39.4°F. Annual precipitation is 39.9". Average annual snowfall is 127.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Syracuse at a Glance
- Population
- 146,211
- Median Income
- $45,845
- Home Value
- $125,100
- Median Rent
- $998/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 57.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.5%
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