City Comparison
Paisley vs Syracuse
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Paisley scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Paisley
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Paisley is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
42% lower than in Syracuse.
Housing costs are a major driver: Paisley's average rent is
45% lower than Syracuse's.
| Metric | Paisley | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $850 | $1,546 | -45% |
| Groceries | $350 | $450 | -22% |
| Utilities | $160 | $327 | -51% |
| Transport | $100 | $120 | -17% |
| Healthcare | $50 | $150 | -67% |
| Monthly Total | $1,510 | $2,593 | -42% |
| Cost Index | 75 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Syracuse offers 28% 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 Paisley is estimated at
$38,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Paisley | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $42,000 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $38,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 56,000 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $44,000 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Paisley runs warmer on average — a 49.4°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Paisley comes out ahead with 187 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Paisley sees 3.2 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Paisley | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 49.40°F | °F |
| Summer High | 65.30°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 35.90°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 48.40 in | in |
| Snowfall | 3.20 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 187 | |
| Humidity | 80.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Syracuse has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,000 minutes (67 hours) per year compared to Paisley.
Paisley scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Paisley leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Paisley | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 26 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 70.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 75.0/100 | 57.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Syracuse is the larger city
— approximately 0.5x the population of Paisley.
From a growth perspective, Paisley is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Paisley has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Paisley | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 77,000 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 40.0 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 4.50% | 5.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Paisley
Advantages
Significantly more affordable housing compared to nearby Glasgow per National Records of Scotland
Exceptional rail connectivity via Paisley Gilmour Street station providing quick access to Glasgow
Rich cultural history anchored by Paisley Abbey and vibrant local arts festivals
Proximity to Glasgow International Airport supporting local aviation and logistics jobs
Access to quality green spaces including Barshaw Park and Gleniffer Braes Country Park
Drawbacks
Local weather features high annual rainfall and limited sunshine days per meteorological records
Certain pockets experience localized economic deprivation and higher property crime rates
Town center retail has faced structural challenges similar to many traditional UK high streets
Average local salaries lag behind major metropolitan economic hubs in the UK
Dependence on neighboring Glasgow for advanced specialized entertainment and major retail
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.
Paisley
#10Scotland, UK
63.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$850
Avg Salary
$42,000
Cost Index
75
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
70.0/100
Walkability
75.0/100
Sunny Days
187/yr
Avg Temp
49.40°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
73
Business
65
Syracuse
#361New York, USA
59.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,546
Avg Salary
$58,525
Cost Index
103
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
45.0/100
Walkability
57.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
5.10%
Livability
70
Business
70
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