Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
22% cheaper
Syracuse is 22% more affordable than Denver. A $75,000 salary in Denver is equivalent to $58,475 in Syracuse.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Colorado salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Denver has a housing index of 152 while Syracuse sits at 69 (national average = 100). The median home in Denver costs $520,000 compared to $140,000 in Syracuse, a difference of $380,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,900 in Denver versus $950 in Syracuse.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Denver scores 102 while Syracuse scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Denver (104) are higher than Syracuse (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Denver is $72,661 compared to $36,708 in Syracuse. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Syracuse.
Amazon affiliate links