Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
11% cheaper
Syracuse is 11% more affordable than Richmond. A $75,000 salary in Richmond is equivalent to $66,990 in Syracuse.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Virginia salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Richmond has a housing index of 108 while Syracuse sits at 69 (national average = 100). The median home in Richmond costs $300,000 compared to $140,000 in Syracuse, a difference of $160,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Richmond versus $950 in Syracuse.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Richmond scores 100 while Syracuse scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Richmond (100) match Syracuse (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Richmond is $50,120 compared to $36,708 in Syracuse. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Syracuse.
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