Performance
Score Breakdown
Los Angeles
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Syracuse is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
16% higher compared to Los Angeles.
Housing costs are a major driver: Los Angeles's average rent is
41% higher than Syracuse's.
| Metric | Los Angeles | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,184 | $1,546 | +41% |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Utilities | $231 | $327 | -29% |
| Transport | $0 | $120 | -100% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $150 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $3,015 | $2,593 | +16% |
| Cost Index | 149 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Syracuse offers 17% 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 Los Angeles is estimated at
$61,558 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Los Angeles | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $48,651 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $61,558 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 32,652 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $81,939 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Los Angeles | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Syracuse has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
6,000 minutes (100 hours) per year compared to Los Angeles.
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 | Los Angeles | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 30 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 57.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 60.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Los Angeles is the larger city
— approximately 26.1x the population of Syracuse.
From a growth perspective, Syracuse is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Syracuse has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Los Angeles | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,863,148 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 37.2 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 5.20% | 5.10% |
| GDP | $1,000.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Los Angeles
Advantages
Los Angeles boasts a diverse and robust economy, particularly in entertainment, healthcare, and technology sectors, offering varied job opportunities.
The city enjoys a Mediterranean climate with abundant sunshine, making it ideal for outdoor activities year-round.
Healthcare quality is high, with major institutions like LA General Medical Center receiving top safety grades and exceeding state benchmarks.
Los Angeles is a global cultural hub, offering a rich array of arts, dining, and entertainment options.
Homicides in Los Angeles decreased by 19% in 2025 compared to 2024, marking the lowest number since 1966.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Los Angeles is significantly high, with housing expenses being 135% higher than the national average.
Los Angeles is a highly car-dependent city, leading to severe traffic congestion and long commute times, averaging 30 minutes.
The city's population is experiencing a slight annual decline, with a -0.15% growth rate projected for 2026.
Despite improvements, Los Angeles's safety score of 58/100 indicates a moderate crime rate, higher than the average U.S. city.
Utility costs in Los Angeles are 9% higher than the national average, adding to the overall expense of living.
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.
Los Angeles
#64California, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,184
Avg Salary
$48,651
Cost Index
149
Commute
30 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
5.20%
Livability
70
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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