Performance
Score Breakdown
Des Moines
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Des Moines is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
20% lower compared to Syracuse.
Housing costs are a major driver: Des Moines's average rent is
25% lower than Syracuse's.
| Metric | Des Moines | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,162 | $1,546 | -25% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $180 | $327 | -45% |
| Transport | $90 | $120 | -25% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $150 | +67% |
| Monthly Total | $2,082 | $2,593 | -20% |
| Cost Index | 81 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Des Moines offers 11% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Des Moines delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Des Moines is estimated at
$55,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Des Moines | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,000 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 80,247 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $47,000 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Des Moines | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 66.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 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 | Des Moines | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Walkability | 45.0/10 | 57.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 17.90 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Des Moines is the larger city
— approximately 1.4x the population of Syracuse.
From a growth perspective, Syracuse is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Des Moines has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Des Moines | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 209,232 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 38.0 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 5.10% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Des Moines
Advantages
The Des Moines metropolitan area is experiencing population growth, with an estimated 573,000 residents in 2025, a 1.24% increase from the previous year.
The cost of living in Des Moines is generally lower than the U.S. average.
The average commute time in West Des Moines is just 18 minutes, indicating efficient transportation.
The housing market saw a 0.9% increase in home prices over the three months ending May 2026, with a median price of $217,000.
Des Moines is a major business hub with growing job markets in insurance, finance, and healthcare.
Drawbacks
The city proper of Des Moines has experienced a population decline of approximately -0.55% annually since 2020.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines are higher than the national average.
Summers in Des Moines are hot and humid, with muggy conditions increasing throughout the season.
The median household income in Des Moines ($47,000) is lower than the Iowa state average ($52,000).
The Des Moines housing market, while showing recent price increases, experienced a slight decline in median sale prices in 2024.
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.
Des Moines
#21Iowa, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,162
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
81
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
45.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
74
Business
75
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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