Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
42% cheaper
Syracuse is 42% more affordable than San Diego. A $75,000 salary in San Diego is equivalent to $43,125 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. San Diego has a housing index of 248 while Syracuse sits at 69 (national average = 100). The median home in San Diego costs $800,000 compared to $140,000 in Syracuse, a difference of $660,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,500 in San Diego versus $950 in Syracuse.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: San Diego scores 107 while Syracuse scores 101.
Healthcare costs in San Diego (107) are higher than Syracuse (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in San Diego is $79,646 compared to $36,708 in Syracuse. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Syracuse.
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