Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Syracuse is 4% more affordable than Columbia. A $75,000 salary in Columbia is equivalent to $71,875 in Syracuse.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Carolina salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Columbia has a housing index of 88 while Syracuse sits at 69 (national average = 100). The median home in Columbia costs $210,000 compared to $140,000 in Syracuse, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Columbia versus $950 in Syracuse.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Columbia scores 99 while Syracuse scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Columbia (102) are higher than Syracuse (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Columbia is $46,734 compared to $36,708 in Syracuse. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Syracuse.
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