Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
29% cheaper
Syracuse is 29% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $53,077 in Syracuse.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Oregon salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Portland has a housing index of 168 while Syracuse sits at 69 (national average = 100). The median home in Portland costs $480,000 compared to $140,000 in Syracuse, a difference of $340,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,800 in Portland versus $950 in Syracuse.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Portland scores 105 while Syracuse scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Portland (108) are higher than Syracuse (100).
Median household income in Portland is $71,005 compared to $36,708 in Syracuse. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Syracuse.
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