Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Syracuse is 8% more affordable than St. Paul. A $75,000 salary in St. Paul is equivalent to $69,000 in Syracuse.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Minnesota salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. St. Paul has a housing index of 98 while Syracuse sits at 69 (national average = 100). The median home in St. Paul costs $260,000 compared to $140,000 in Syracuse, a difference of $120,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,300 in St. Paul versus $950 in Syracuse.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: St. Paul scores 103 while Syracuse scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in St. Paul (105) are higher than Syracuse (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in St. Paul is $57,718 compared to $36,708 in Syracuse. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Syracuse.
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