Performance
Score Breakdown
Laramie
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Laramie is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
18% lower compared to Syracuse.
Housing costs are a major driver: Laramie's average rent is
26% lower than Syracuse's.
| Metric | Laramie | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,149 | $1,546 | -26% |
| Groceries | $377 | $450 | -16% |
| Utilities | $352 | $327 | +8% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $138 | $150 | -8% |
| Monthly Total | $2,136 | $2,593 | -18% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Laramie offers 11% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Laramie delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Laramie is estimated at
$31,776 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Laramie | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,136 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $31,776 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 68,564 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $55,613 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Laramie | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 46.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Laramie has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Syracuse.
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 | Laramie | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 13 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Walkability | 40.0/10 | 57.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Syracuse is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x the population of Laramie.
From a growth perspective, Laramie is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Laramie has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Laramie | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 32,511 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.70% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 26.9 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 2.20% | 5.10% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Laramie
Advantages
The cost of living in Laramie is lower than the national average, particularly for housing and groceries.
Laramie has a violent crime rate significantly below the national average, making it a very safe place to live.
The city offers a strong sense of community and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
There are abundant outdoor activities available, including hiking, biking, skiing, and fishing, due to its proximity to mountains and forests.
Commute times are significantly shorter than the national average, at only 13 minutes.
Drawbacks
Childcare and dining out costs can be more expensive in Laramie compared to the national average.
Some residents may need to travel to larger cities for specialized medical care or extensive shopping options.
Despite growth, Laramie can still feel somewhat isolated, with a "middle of nowhere" feel for some.
The median household income in Laramie is lower than the national average.
The housing market, while affordable, has seen a slight decrease in median home prices in early 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.
Laramie
#21Wyoming, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,149
Avg Salary
$65,136
Cost Index
95
Commute
13 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
40.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.70%
Unemployment
2.20%
Livability
74
Business
68
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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