City Comparison
Boston vs Syracuse
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Syracuse scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Boston
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Syracuse is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
31% higher compared to Boston.
Housing costs are a major driver: Boston's average rent is
55% higher than Syracuse's.
| Metric | Boston | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,400 | $1,546 | +55% |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Utilities | $180 | $327 | -45% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $150 | +67% |
| Monthly Total | $3,400 | $2,593 | +31% |
| Cost Index | 150 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Boston offers 20% higher 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 Boston is estimated at
$75,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Boston | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $70,513 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $75,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 47,009 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $97,791 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Boston runs warmer on average — a 51°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Boston comes out ahead with 250 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Boston sees 25 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Boston | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 51.00°F | °F |
| Summer High | 80.50°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 20.60°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 40.20 in | in |
| Snowfall | 25.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 250 | |
| Humidity | 67.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Syracuse has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
7,000 minutes (117 hours) per year compared to Boston.
Boston scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Boston leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Boston | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 32 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 70.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Walkability | 75.0/10 | 57.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 60.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Boston is the larger city
— approximately 4.6x the population of Syracuse.
From a growth perspective, Syracuse is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Boston has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Boston | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 675,647 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.17% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 33.3 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 4.70% | 5.10% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Boston
Advantages
Boston is recognized as a top city for healthcare, with world-class hospitals and medical facilities.
The city is a global hub for innovation, particularly in biotechnology and life sciences, attracting significant venture capital funding.
Boston offers a rich historical and cultural landscape, with numerous landmarks and a vibrant arts scene.
It is a leading center for higher education, home to prestigious universities like Harvard and MIT, which contribute to a highly educated workforce.
Boston has a strong public transit system, the MBTA, offering subway, bus, and commuter rail services, alongside high walkability scores in many neighborhoods.
Drawbacks
Boston has one of the highest costs of living in the United States, primarily driven by expensive housing.
Traffic congestion and parking difficulties can make driving in the city challenging.
The cost of healthcare, while high quality, is also among the most expensive in the nation.
Public transportation, while extensive, can face issues with reliability and service disruptions.
Winter weather in Boston can be severe, with cold temperatures, significant snowfall, and icy conditions.
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.
Boston
#144Massachusetts, USA
47.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,400
Avg Salary
$70,513
Cost Index
150
Commute
32 min
Transit Score
70.0/10
Walkability
75.0/10
Sunny Days
250/yr
Avg Temp
51.00°F
Pop. Growth
0.17%
Unemployment
4.70%
Livability
79
Business
75
Syracuse
#20New York, USA
69.5 / 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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