Performance
Score Breakdown
Amherst
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Amherst is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
19% lower compared to Syracuse.
Housing costs are a major driver: Amherst's average rent is
32% lower than Syracuse's.
| Metric | Amherst | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,050 | $1,546 | -32% |
| Groceries | $344 | $450 | -24% |
| Utilities | $118 | $327 | -64% |
| Transport | $491 | $120 | +309% |
| Healthcare | $88 | $150 | -41% |
| Monthly Total | $2,091 | $2,593 | -19% |
| Cost Index | 70 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Syracuse offers 51% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Syracuse delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Amherst is estimated at
$35,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Amherst | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $28,448 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $35,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 40,640 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $38,920 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Amherst | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | % | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Amherst has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Syracuse.
Syracuse scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Syracuse leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Amherst | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 15 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Walkability | 34.0/10 | 57.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 20.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Syracuse is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Amherst.
From a growth perspective, Amherst is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Syracuse has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Amherst | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 10,072 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.80% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 46.2 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 6.30% | 5.10% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Amherst
Advantages
The cost of living in Amherst is 6% lower than the national average, making it a highly affordable place to reside.
Amherst serves as a strategic gateway community into Nova Scotia, offering excellent transportation links and proximity to New Brunswick.
Residents have access to comprehensive healthcare services at the 24/7 Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre, which provides a wide range of specialties.
The town is considered a 'very walkable community' with various outdoor and indoor walking options available to residents.
Amherst has experienced a positive population growth rate of 1.8% year-over-year as of 2024, indicating a growing community.
Drawbacks
Amherst's crime rates are significantly higher, reported to be 154% above the Nova Scotia average.
Public transportation options are minimal, with only 0.4% of commuters using it, leading to a high reliance on personal vehicles.
The median household income in Amherst is $38,920 USD, which is lower than the Nova Scotia median household income of $49,950 USD.
With a median age of 46.2 years, the town has an older demographic profile, which may appeal less to younger populations seeking a vibrant youth culture.
Job growth in Nova Scotia, while positive, has slowed to 0.4% in 2025, potentially impacting local employment opportunities.
Syracuse
Advantages
Syracuse offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major cities in New York State.
The city has a growing job market, particularly in healthcare, education, and advanced manufacturing, with significant projects like Micron's semiconductor facility boosting employment opportunities.
Syracuse is home to strong educational institutions, including Syracuse University and SUNY Upstate Medical University, contributing to a vibrant and educated community.
The city boasts a good safety profile, with a violent crime rate significantly below the national average.
Residents benefit from manageable commute times, averaging around 18 minutes.
Drawbacks
Syracuse experiences severe and snowy winters, with heavy annual snowfall.
The city has a higher cost of living than the national average, particularly concerning housing expenses.
Public transportation can be unreliable, contributing to a medium car dependency for residents.
Some areas of the city face challenges with crime and poverty.
Utility costs, especially for heating, can be high due to long, cold winters.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Amherst
#24Nova Scotia, Canada
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,050
Avg Salary
$28,448
Cost Index
70
Commute
15 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
34.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.80%
Unemployment
6.30%
Livability
65
Business
60
Syracuse
#50New York, USA
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,546
Avg Salary
$58,525
Cost Index
103
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
57.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
5.10%
Livability
70
Business
70
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