City Comparison
Sheffield vs Syracuse
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Sheffield scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Sheffield
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Sheffield is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
23% lower than in Syracuse.
Housing costs are a major driver: Sheffield's average rent is
23% lower than Syracuse's.
| Metric | Sheffield | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,185 | $1,546 | -23% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $180 | $327 | -45% |
| Transport | $90 | $120 | -25% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $150 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,005 | $2,593 | -23% |
| Cost Index | 63 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Syracuse offers 31% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Sheffield delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Sheffield is estimated at
$37,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Sheffield | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $40,400 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $37,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 64,127 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $45,000 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Sheffield runs warmer on average — a 52.1°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Sheffield comes out ahead with 234 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Sheffield sees 8.7 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Sheffield | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 52.10°F | °F |
| Summer High | 71.50°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 36.90°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 28.70 in | in |
| Snowfall | 8.70 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 234 | |
| Humidity | 75.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Syracuse has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,000 minutes (83 hours) per year compared to Sheffield.
Sheffield scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Sheffield leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Sheffield | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 65.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 60.0/100 | 57.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Sheffield is the larger city
— approximately 3.9x the population of Syracuse.
From a growth perspective, Syracuse is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Sheffield has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Sheffield | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 582,493 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.01% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 40.9 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 3.40% | 5.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Sheffield
Advantages
Sheffield is one of the most affordable major cities in the UK, with average rents significantly lower than in southern cities.
The city offers excellent access to nature, with the Peak District National Park on its doorstep.
Sheffield's digital and tech sector is a "Rising Star" in the UK, with high growth rates and significant investment.
The city has a strong educational presence with two major universities, contributing to a vibrant and youthful atmosphere.
Public transport options, including the Supertram and bus network, provide good connectivity throughout the city.
Drawbacks
Sheffield's overall crime rate is slightly above the UK average, and it is considered the most dangerous major city in South Yorkshire.
Average earnings in Sheffield still lag behind some of the UK's southern cities.
Parts of the city still bear the marks of de-industrialization.
The cultural and food scenes, while improving, are smaller than those in larger cities like Manchester or Leeds.
The hilly topography of Sheffield can impact walkability in certain areas.
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.
Sheffield
#16England, UK
61.2 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,185
Avg Salary
$40,400
Cost Index
63
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
65.0/100
Walkability
60.0/100
Sunny Days
234/yr
Avg Temp
52.10°F
Pop. Growth
0.01%
Unemployment
3.40%
Livability
74
Business
68
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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