Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
24% cheaper
Syracuse is 24% more affordable than Newark. A $75,000 salary in Newark is equivalent to $57,025 in Syracuse.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Jersey salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Newark has a housing index of 149 while Syracuse sits at 69 (national average = 100). The median home in Newark costs $340,000 compared to $140,000 in Syracuse, a difference of $200,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Newark versus $950 in Syracuse.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Newark scores 103 while Syracuse scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Newark (105) are higher than Syracuse (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Newark is $40,014 compared to $36,708 in Syracuse. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Syracuse.
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