Performance
Score Breakdown
Billings
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Billings is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
21% lower compared to Syracuse.
Housing costs are a major driver: Billings's average rent is
10% lower than Syracuse's.
| Metric | Billings | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,390 | $1,546 | -10% |
| Groceries | $364 | $450 | -19% |
| Utilities | $306 | $327 | -6% |
| Transport | $0 | $120 | -100% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $150 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $2,060 | $2,593 | -21% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Billings offers 17% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Billings delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Billings is estimated at
$71,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Billings | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $68,328 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $71,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 71,924 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $73,712 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Billings | 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
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
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 | Billings | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 17 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 25.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Walkability | 35.0/10 | 57.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | ||
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Syracuse is the larger city
— approximately 0.8x the population of Billings.
From a growth perspective, Billings is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Billings has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Billings | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 123,723 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.80% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 38.8 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 3.30% | 5.10% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Billings
Advantages
Billings offers a relatively low cost of living, with an index of 95 compared to the U.S. average of 100.
The city boasts a strong and resilient economy, driven by key sectors like healthcare, energy, and agriculture, with a job growth rate of 1.35% (2023-2024).
Residents benefit from advanced healthcare services, including the Billings Clinic, recognized as the best hospital in Southeast Montana.
Billings provides abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, with access to the Yellowstone River, Rimrocks, and proximity to Yellowstone National Park.
The average commute time is short, around 16.5 minutes, contributing to a more relaxed daily rhythm.
Drawbacks
The city has a low Transit Score of 25 and a Walk Score of 35, indicating high car dependency and limited public transportation options.
Safety scores are relatively low (40/100), and residents report lower feelings of safety in downtown areas compared to other communities.
Some everyday expenses, such as groceries and transportation, are slightly higher than the national average.
Winters can be cold and snowy, requiring preparation for harsh weather conditions.
While the city has a bike score of 63, it does not have many dedicated bike lanes.
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.
Billings
#12Montana, USA
77.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,390
Avg Salary
$68,328
Cost Index
95
Commute
17 min
Transit Score
25.0/10
Walkability
35.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.80%
Unemployment
3.30%
Livability
77
Business
68
Syracuse
#49New 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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