Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
43% cheaper
Syracuse is 43% more affordable than Boston. A $75,000 salary in Boston is equivalent to $42,593 in Syracuse.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Massachusetts salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boston has a housing index of 242 while Syracuse sits at 69 (national average = 100). The median home in Boston costs $620,000 compared to $140,000 in Syracuse, a difference of $480,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,800 in Boston versus $950 in Syracuse.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Boston scores 108 while Syracuse scores 101.
Healthcare costs in Boston (118) are higher than Syracuse (100).
Median household income in Boston is $76,298 compared to $36,708 in Syracuse. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Syracuse.
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