Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
Syracuse is 13% more affordable than Philadelphia. A $75,000 salary in Philadelphia is equivalent to $65,094 in Syracuse.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Pennsylvania salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Philadelphia has a housing index of 107 while Syracuse sits at 69 (national average = 100). The median home in Philadelphia costs $240,000 compared to $140,000 in Syracuse, a difference of $100,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Philadelphia versus $950 in Syracuse.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Philadelphia scores 104 while Syracuse scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Philadelphia (101) are higher than Syracuse (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Philadelphia is $49,127 compared to $36,708 in Syracuse. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Syracuse.
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