Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
28% cheaper
Syracuse is 28% more affordable than Sacramento. A $75,000 salary in Sacramento 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. Sacramento has a housing index of 163 while Syracuse sits at 69 (national average = 100). The median home in Sacramento costs $450,000 compared to $140,000 in Syracuse, a difference of $310,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Sacramento versus $950 in Syracuse.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Sacramento scores 104 while Syracuse scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Sacramento (106) are higher than Syracuse (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Sacramento is $64,660 compared to $36,708 in Syracuse. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Syracuse.
Amazon affiliate links