Is Syracuse, NY cheaper than Rochester, NY?

Based on cost of living data, Syracuse, NY is 0.3% cheaper than Rochester, NY. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Syracuse, NY to live like I do in Rochester, NY?

If you earn $150,000 in Rochester, NY, you'd need approximately $149,754.526 in Syracuse, NY to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Rochester, NY and Syracuse, NY?

Housing in Syracuse, NY is 14.2% cheaper than in Rochester, NY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,043/month in Syracuse, NY compared to $1,633/month in Rochester, NY.

How much can I save per month by moving from Rochester, NY to Syracuse, NY?

Moving from Rochester, NY to Syracuse, NY could save you approximately $20 per month, or $245 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Rochester, NY vs Syracuse, NY: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Rochester, NY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $20.46/month moving to Syracuse, NY

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.8K in Syracuse, NY

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Rochester, NY area

Overall Cost

↓ 0.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$20.46

Savings

Annual Impact

$245

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Rochester, NY

Population:207K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$198K

Syracuse, NY

Population:146K

Cost Index:

100

(0% below avg)

Median Home:$177K

Rochester, NY

The Empire State

207K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New York, this city has a population of 207K residents.

Syracuse, NY

The Empire State

146K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New York, this city has a population of 146K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Rochester, NY vs Syracuse, NY

Category	Rochester, NY	Syracuse, NY	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,108/mo	$1,809/mo	↓ $299less	14.2%
Transportation	$1,315/mo	$1,421/mo	↑ $106more	8.0%
Healthcare	$548/mo	$648/mo	↑ $101more	18.4%
All Utilities	$631/mo	$562/mo	↓ $69.25less	11.0%
Other	$1,738/mo	$1,800/mo	↑ $62.30more	3.6%
Groceries	$1,029/mo	$1,036/mo	↑ $7.48more	0.7%

Housing

↓ 14.2%

Rochester, NY

$2,108

Syracuse, NY

$1,809

Difference

$299

less

Transportation

↑ 8.0%

Rochester, NY

$1,315

Syracuse, NY

$1,421

Difference

$106

Healthcare

↑ 18.4%

Rochester, NY

$548

Syracuse, NY

$648

Difference

$101

All Utilities

↓ 11.0%

Rochester, NY

$631

Syracuse, NY

$562

Difference

$69.25

less

Other

↑ 3.6%

Rochester, NY

$1,738

Syracuse, NY

$1,800

Difference

$62.30

Groceries

↑ 0.7%

Rochester, NY

$1,029

Syracuse, NY

$1,036

Difference

$7.48

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,157

To$748

↓ $409

1 Bed

From$1,309

To$839

↓ $470

2 Bed

From$1,633

To$1,043

↓ $590

3 Bed

From$1,968

To$1,269

↓ $699

Rochester, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,050–$1,880/mo

Syracuse, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $990–$1,270/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,368

Monthly in Rochester, NY

$7,276

Monthly in Syracuse, NY

$92.45

Difference

Home Values

Rochester

Syracuse

$198K

Median Value

$177K

↑ +2.3%

YoY Change

↑ +3.5%

↑ +45.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +55.5%

$90K - $334K

Price Range

$138K - $348K

Homes in Syracuse are 11% less expensive than Rochester

Calculate payment - Rochester Calculate payment - Syracuse

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Rochester, NY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New York State Tax

Effective: 6.4%

$9.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.0%

$46.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,620/month

$103.4K

Syracuse, NY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New York State Tax

Effective: 6.4%

$9.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.0%

$46.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,620/month

$103.4K

Additional Tax Information

Rochester, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:1.2%

Syracuse, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:1.2%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.