Performance
Score Breakdown
Indianapolis
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Syracuse is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
13% higher compared to Indianapolis.
Housing costs are a major driver: Indianapolis's average rent is
27% lower than Syracuse's.
| Metric | Indianapolis | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,123 | $1,546 | -27% |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Utilities | $327 | $327 | 0% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $900 | $150 | +500% |
| Monthly Total | $2,920 | $2,593 | +13% |
| Cost Index | 90 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Indianapolis offers 30% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Indianapolis delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Indianapolis is estimated at
$55,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Indianapolis | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $76,000 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 84,444 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $66,219 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Indianapolis | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 73.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Syracuse has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,500 minutes (58 hours) per year compared to Indianapolis.
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 | Indianapolis | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Walkability | 31.0/10 | 57.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 29.36 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Indianapolis is the larger city
— approximately 6.2x the population of Syracuse.
From a growth perspective, Syracuse is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Indianapolis has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Indianapolis | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 910,638 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.33% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 34.3 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 3.40% | 5.10% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Indianapolis
Advantages
The cost of living in Indianapolis is approximately 10.3% lower than the national average, making it a highly affordable city.
Indianapolis boasts a diverse and growing job market, particularly in Healthcare & Life Sciences, Logistics, and Advanced Manufacturing.
The average commute time in Central Indiana is relatively short at 24.6 minutes, contributing to a better work-life balance.
The city has a thriving sports and hospitality sector, attracting major events and offering numerous entertainment options.
Housing inventory is increasing, providing more options for buyers, and median home prices remain competitive.
Drawbacks
Indianapolis has a higher crime rate compared to many U.S. cities, with a BaseScore of 44/100 and a safety index indicating it's safer than only 3% of American cities.
The city is largely car-dependent, with limited walkability and public transit options outside of the downtown core.
The average salary in Indianapolis, at $76,000 annually, is lower than the national average.
Rental prices have experienced rapid growth in recent years, impacting affordability for some residents.
Traffic congestion is increasing, leading to more time lost in traffic for commuters.
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.
Indianapolis
#64Indiana, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,123
Avg Salary
$76,000
Cost Index
90
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
31.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.33%
Unemployment
3.40%
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
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