Performance
Score Breakdown
Houston
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Syracuse is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
24% higher compared to Houston.
Housing costs are a major driver: Houston's average rent is
16% higher than Syracuse's.
| Metric | Houston | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,800 | $1,546 | +16% |
| Groceries | $682 | $450 | +52% |
| Utilities | $253 | $327 | -23% |
| Transport | $348 | $120 | +190% |
| Healthcare | $141 | $150 | -6% |
| Monthly Total | $3,224 | $2,593 | +24% |
| Cost Index | 93 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Houston offers 28% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Houston delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Houston is estimated at
$69,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Houston | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $75,200 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $69,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 80,860 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $97,458 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Houston | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 75.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Syracuse has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,000 minutes (83 hours) per year compared to Houston.
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 | Houston | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 36.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Walkability | 49.0/10 | 57.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 180.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Houston is the larger city
— approximately 15.7x the population of Syracuse.
From a growth perspective, Houston is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Houston has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Houston | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,319,119 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.60% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 34.0 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 4.20% | 5.10% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Houston
Advantages
The cost of living in Houston is 6% lower than the national average, making it a budget-friendly major city.
Houston's job market is projected to add 75,000 new jobs in 2025, with strong growth in healthcare, energy, and professional services.
Violent crime rates in Houston saw significant declines between 2024 and 2025, with homicides dropping by 17%.
The city is a major hub for healthcare, home to the Texas Medical Center, offering high-quality medical services.
Houston exhibits a strong entrepreneurial climate, with a 92% rise in small business account applications from 2024 to 2025.
Drawbacks
Houston's overall crime rate remains high compared to many other U.S. communities, with a 1 in 17 chance of being a victim of violent or property crime in 2024.
Summers in Houston are characterized by oppressive heat and high humidity, with average daily highs above 89°F from June to September.
The city experiences significant traffic congestion, leading to a high car dependency and an average commute time of 28 minutes.
Houston's walkability and transit scores are relatively low, making it challenging to get around without a car.
While the metro area is growing, population growth within the city of Houston itself slowed significantly in 2025.
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.
Houston
#49Texas, USA
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$75,200
Cost Index
93
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
36.0/10
Walkability
49.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.60%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
68
Business
72
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 Houston and Syracuse.
Open Cost Calculator