Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Syracuse is 16% more affordable than Providence. A $75,000 salary in Providence is equivalent to $62,727 in Syracuse.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Rhode Island salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Providence has a housing index of 118 while Syracuse sits at 69 (national average = 100). The median home in Providence costs $310,000 compared to $140,000 in Syracuse, a difference of $170,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Providence versus $950 in Syracuse.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Providence scores 105 while Syracuse scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Providence (112) are higher than Syracuse (100).
Median household income in Providence is $47,012 compared to $36,708 in Syracuse. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Syracuse.
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