Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
28% cheaper
Syracuse is 28% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $53,906 in Syracuse.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Riverside has a housing index of 155 while Syracuse sits at 69 (national average = 100). The median home in Riverside costs $500,000 compared to $140,000 in Syracuse, a difference of $360,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,800 in Riverside versus $950 in Syracuse.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Riverside scores 103 while Syracuse scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Riverside (102) are higher than Syracuse (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Riverside is $67,068 compared to $36,708 in Syracuse. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Syracuse.
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