Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Syracuse is 15% more affordable than Asheville. A $75,000 salary in Asheville is equivalent to $63,889 in Syracuse.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Asheville has a housing index of 120 while Syracuse sits at 69 (national average = 100). The median home in Asheville costs $360,000 compared to $140,000 in Syracuse, a difference of $220,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Asheville versus $950 in Syracuse.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Asheville scores 103 while Syracuse scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Asheville (106) are higher than Syracuse (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Asheville is $48,534 compared to $36,708 in Syracuse. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Syracuse.
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