Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Syracuse is 8% more affordable than Phoenix. A $75,000 salary in Phoenix is equivalent to $69,000 in Syracuse.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Arizona salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Phoenix has a housing index of 102 while Syracuse sits at 69 (national average = 100). The median home in Phoenix costs $350,000 compared to $140,000 in Syracuse, a difference of $210,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Phoenix versus $950 in Syracuse.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Phoenix scores 99 while Syracuse scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Phoenix (95) are lower than Syracuse (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Phoenix is $57,459 compared to $36,708 in Syracuse. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Syracuse.
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