Is Albany, NY cheaper than Syracuse, NY?

Based on cost of living data, Albany, NY is 0.0% cheaper than Syracuse, NY. The two cities have very similar living costs.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Syracuse, NY, you'd need approximately $149,955.635 in Albany, NY to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Albany, NY is 0.0% cheaper than in Syracuse, NY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,276/month in Albany, NY compared to $1,043/month in Syracuse, NY.

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

Moving from Syracuse, NY to Albany, NY could save you approximately $4 per month, or $44 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Syracuse, NY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.70/month moving to Albany, NY

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.0K in Albany, NY

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

Overall Cost

↓ 0.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3.70

Savings

Annual Impact

$44.37

Per year

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

Syracuse, NY

Population:146K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$177K

Albany, NY

Population:101K

Cost Index:

100

(0% below avg)

Median Home:$248K

Syracuse, NY

The Empire State

146K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Albany, NY

The Empire State

101K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New York, this city has a population of 101K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Syracuse, NY vs Albany, NY

Category	Syracuse, NY	Albany, NY	Difference	Change
Housing	$1,809/mo	$1,808/mo	↓ $0.89less	0.0%
Other	$1,800/mo	$1,799/mo	↓ $0.89less	0.0%
Transportation	$1,421/mo	$1,420/mo	↓ $0.70less	0.0%
Groceries	$1,036/mo	$1,036/mo	↓ $0.26less	0.0%
Healthcare	$648/mo	$648/mo	↓ $0.16less	0.0%
All Utilities	$562/mo	$561/mo	↓ $0.14less	0.0%

Housing

↓ 0.0%

Syracuse, NY

$1,809

Albany, NY

$1,808

Difference

$0.89

less

Other

↓ 0.0%

Syracuse, NY

$1,800

Albany, NY

$1,799

Difference

$0.89

less

Transportation

↓ 0.0%

Syracuse, NY

$1,421

Albany, NY

$1,420

Difference

$0.70

less

Groceries

↓ 0.0%

Syracuse, NY

$1,036

Albany, NY

$1,036

Difference

$0.26

less

Healthcare

↓ 0.0%

Syracuse, NY

$648

Albany, NY

$648

Difference

$0.16

less

All Utilities

↓ 0.0%

Syracuse, NY

$562

Albany, NY

$561

Difference

$0.14

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$748

To$914

↑ $166

1 Bed

From$839

To$1,065

↑ $226

2 Bed

From$1,043

To$1,276

↑ $233

3 Bed

From$1,269

To$1,533

↑ $264

Syracuse, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $990–$1,270/mo

Albany, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,180–$1,640/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.

$7,276

Monthly in Syracuse, NY

$7,273

Monthly in Albany, NY

$3.03

Difference

Home Values

Syracuse

Albany

$177K

Median Value

$248K

↑ +3.5%

YoY Change

↑ +3.8%

↑ +55.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.9%

$138K - $348K

Price Range

$168K - $329K

Homes in Albany are 40% more expensive than Syracuse

Calculate payment - Syracuse Calculate payment - Albany

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

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

Albany, 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

Syracuse, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:1.2%

Albany, 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.