City Comparison
Carrara vs Syracuse
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Carrara scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Carrara
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Carrara is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
38% lower than in Syracuse.
Housing costs are a major driver: Carrara's average rent is
45% lower than Syracuse's.
| Metric | Carrara | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $850 | $1,546 | -45% |
| Groceries | $380 | $450 | -16% |
| Utilities | $170 | $327 | -48% |
| Transport | $85 | $120 | -29% |
| Healthcare | $120 | $150 | -20% |
| Monthly Total | $1,605 | $2,593 | -38% |
| Cost Index | 78 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Syracuse offers 50% 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 Carrara is estimated at
$24,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Carrara | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $29,000 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $24,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 37,179 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $31,500 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Carrara runs warmer on average — a 59.9°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Carrara comes out ahead with 233 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Carrara sees 0.1 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Carrara | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 59.90°F | °F |
| Summer High | 82.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 42.50°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 75.30 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.10 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 233 | |
| Humidity | 72.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Syracuse has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Carrara.
Carrara scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Carrara leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Carrara | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 52.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 65.0/100 | 57.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Syracuse is the larger city
— approximately 0.4x the population of Carrara.
From a growth perspective, Syracuse 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 | Carrara | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 61,273 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | — | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 48.5 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 7.80% | 5.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Carrara
Advantages
World-renowned cultural heritage and artistic history as the global capital of marble
Stunning geographic location bridging the Apuan Alps and the Mediterranean coastline
Significantly more affordable cost of living and housing compared to Florence or Lucca
Exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities including mountain hiking and beach access
Strong sense of community safety and relaxed Tuscan pace of life
Drawbacks
Local economy remains heavily tied to traditional industries with limited corporate diversification
Public transit outside of main rail and bus lines makes car ownership necessary
Summer tourism creates seasonal traffic congestion in coastal districts like Marina di Carrara
Limited high-tech or corporate white-collar job market locally
Some historic properties require significant renovation investment
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.
Carrara
#93Tuscany, Italy
62.2 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$850
Avg Salary
$29,000
Cost Index
78
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
52.0/100
Walkability
65.0/100
Sunny Days
233/yr
Avg Temp
59.90°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
7.80%
Livability
78
Business
64
Syracuse
#361New York, USA
59.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,546
Avg Salary
$58,525
Cost Index
103
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
45.0/100
Walkability
57.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
5.10%
Livability
70
Business
70
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