Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Cleveland is 5% more affordable than Syracuse. A $75,000 salary in Syracuse is equivalent to $70,924 in Cleveland.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Ohio salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Cleveland has a housing index of 59 while Syracuse sits at 69 (national average = 100). The median home in Cleveland costs $100,000 compared to $140,000 in Syracuse, a difference of $40,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $900 in Cleveland versus $950 in Syracuse.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Cleveland scores 99 while Syracuse scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Cleveland (96) are lower than Syracuse (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Cleveland is $32,053 compared to $36,708 in Syracuse. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cleveland.
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