Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
Syracuse is 14% more affordable than Fresno. A $75,000 salary in Fresno 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: California salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fresno has a housing index of 111 while Syracuse sits at 69 (national average = 100). The median home in Fresno costs $330,000 compared to $140,000 in Syracuse, a difference of $190,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,300 in Fresno versus $950 in Syracuse.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Fresno scores 101 while Syracuse scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Fresno (100) match Syracuse (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fresno is $53,838 compared to $36,708 in Syracuse. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Syracuse.
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