City Comparison
Portland vs Syracuse
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Syracuse scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Portland
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Portland is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
19% lower compared to Syracuse.
Housing costs are a major driver: Portland's average rent is
35% higher than Syracuse's.
| Metric | Portland | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,088 | $1,546 | +35% |
| Groceries | $0 | $450 | -100% |
| Utilities | $0 | $327 | -100% |
| Transport | $0 | $120 | -100% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $150 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $2,088 | $2,593 | -19% |
| Cost Index | 114 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Syracuse offers 100% lower average salaries.
| Metric | Portland | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $0 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $0 | $75,000 |
| Household Income | $79,540 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Portland runs warmer on average — a 47.7°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Portland comes out ahead with 254 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Portland sees 43.2 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Portland | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 47.70°F | °F |
| Summer High | 78.40°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 14.70°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 38.40 in | in |
| Snowfall | 43.20 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 254 | |
| Humidity | 71.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Portland scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Portland leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Portland | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 19 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 65.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Walkability | 62.0/10 | 57.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | ||
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Syracuse is the larger city
— approximately 0.5x the population of Portland.
From a growth perspective, Portland is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Portland has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Portland | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,854 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.51% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 37.8 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 2.70% | 5.10% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Portland
Advantages
High walkability, especially in the peninsula neighborhoods, allowing for car-free living in many areas.
A thriving and diverse economy with strong sectors in healthcare, technology, and professional services, offering ample job opportunities.
Nationally recognized culinary scene and a vibrant craft beer culture, making it a destination for food enthusiasts.
Access to coastal beauty and outdoor recreation, including beaches, islands, and scenic waterfronts.
A rich history and well-preserved architecture, particularly in the Old Port district, contributing to a unique urban charm.
Drawbacks
The cost of living is 14% higher than the national average, with housing being a significant expense.
Crime rates, particularly property crime, are a concern and can be higher than national averages in some metrics.
Public transit options, while present, may not be as extensive as in larger metropolitan areas, leading to medium car dependency.
Winter weather can be harsh, with cold temperatures and significant snowfall, impacting outdoor activities.
Limited availability of affordable housing options due to high demand and property values.
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.
Portland
#124Maine, USA
50.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,088
Avg Salary
$0
Cost Index
114
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
65.0/10
Walkability
62.0/10
Sunny Days
254/yr
Avg Temp
47.70°F
Pop. Growth
0.51%
Unemployment
2.70%
Livability
75
Business
70
Syracuse
#20New York, USA
69.5 / 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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