Performance
Score Breakdown
Grand Rapids
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Syracuse is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
4% higher compared to Grand Rapids.
| Metric | Grand Rapids | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,500 | $1,546 | -3% |
| Groceries | $650 | $450 | +44% |
| Utilities | $235 | $327 | -28% |
| Transport | $150 | $120 | +25% |
| Healthcare | $152 | $150 | +1% |
| Monthly Total | $2,687 | $2,593 | +4% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Syracuse offers 16% 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 Grand Rapids is estimated at
$41,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Grand Rapids | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $49,334 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $41,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 51,931 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $69,108 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Grand Rapids | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
For walkability, Syracuse leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Grand Rapids | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 19 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 45.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Walkability | 55.0/10 | 57.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 21.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Grand Rapids 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, Grand Rapids has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Grand Rapids | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 201,357 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.09% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 32.3 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 3.60% | 5.10% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Grand Rapids
Advantages
The cost of living in Grand Rapids is approximately 5% lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Grand Rapids boasts a diverse and growing job market, particularly in manufacturing, healthcare, and technology sectors, with a projected job growth rate of 0.2% in 2026.
The city has a relatively young median age of 32.3 years, contributing to a dynamic and energetic community.
Grand Rapids was ranked among the best cities in the country for starting a career in May 2026, indicating a strong entrepreneurial and professional environment.
The presence of major healthcare institutions like Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital ensures high-quality medical care and a significant number of facilities.
Drawbacks
Grand Rapids has a higher crime rate compared to most communities in Michigan, with a 1 in 30 chance of being a victim of violent or property crime.
While overall cost of living is lower, healthcare costs in Grand Rapids are about 4.1% higher than the national average.
The city's unemployment rate, at 3.6% in April 2026, is slightly above the national average of 4.198%.
Despite efforts to improve, public transit options and walkability scores are not exceptionally high, suggesting a medium car dependency for residents.
The housing market is competitive, with homes selling quickly and median prices increasing by 3.4% year-over-year as of May 2026.
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.
Grand Rapids
#21Michigan, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,500
Avg Salary
$49,334
Cost Index
95
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
55.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.09%
Unemployment
3.60%
Livability
74
Business
70
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
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Grand Rapids and Syracuse.
Open Cost Calculator