Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
Syracuse is 18% more affordable than Modesto. A $75,000 salary in Modesto is equivalent to $61,607 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. Modesto has a housing index of 121 while Syracuse sits at 69 (national average = 100). The median home in Modesto costs $380,000 compared to $140,000 in Syracuse, a difference of $240,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Modesto versus $950 in Syracuse.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Modesto scores 100 while Syracuse scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Modesto (100) match Syracuse (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Modesto is $55,138 compared to $36,708 in Syracuse. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Syracuse.
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