Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
Syracuse is 14% more affordable than Chicago. A $75,000 salary in Chicago is equivalent to $64,486 in Syracuse.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Illinois salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chicago has a housing index of 112 while Syracuse sits at 69 (national average = 100). The median home in Chicago costs $310,000 compared to $140,000 in Syracuse, a difference of $170,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Chicago versus $950 in Syracuse.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Chicago scores 104 while Syracuse scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Chicago (101) are higher than Syracuse (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Chicago is $62,097 compared to $36,708 in Syracuse. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Syracuse.
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