Is Boston, MA cheaper than Syracuse, NY?

Based on cost of living data, Boston, MA is 55.2% more expensive than Syracuse, NY. This translates to spending an extra $4142 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Syracuse, NY, you'd need approximately $199,699.408 in Boston, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Syracuse, NY and Boston, MA?

Housing in Boston, MA is 191.7% more expensive than in Syracuse, NY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $1,043/month in Syracuse, NY.

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

Living in Boston, MA costs approximately $4142 more per month than Syracuse, NY, or $49699 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Syracuse, NY vs Boston, MA: 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 Syracuse, NY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $4.1K/month more in Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $199.7K in Boston, MA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 55.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$4,142

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$49.7K

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

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:

155

(55% above avg)

Median Home:$961K

Syracuse, NY

The Empire State

146K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Syracuse, NY vs Boston, MA

Category	Syracuse, NY	Boston, MA	Difference	Change
Housing	$1,809/mo	$5,275/mo	↑ $3,467more	191.7%
Transportation	$1,421/mo	$1,830/mo	↑ $410more	28.9%
All Utilities	$562/mo	$716/mo	↑ $154more	27.5%
Healthcare	$648/mo	$743/mo	↑ $95.12more	14.7%
Groceries	$1,036/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $42.92more	4.1%
Other	$1,800/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $24.33more	1.4%

Housing

↑ 191.7%

Syracuse, NY

$1,809

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$3,467

Transportation

↑ 28.9%

Syracuse, NY

$1,421

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$410

All Utilities

↑ 27.5%

Syracuse, NY

$562

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$154

Healthcare

↑ 14.7%

Syracuse, NY

$648

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$95.12

Groceries

↑ 4.1%

Syracuse, NY

$1,036

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

$42.92

Other

↑ 1.4%

Syracuse, NY

$1,800

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

$24.33

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$748

To$3,095

↑ $2,347

1 Bed

From$839

To$3,255

↑ $2,416

2 Bed

From$1,043

To$3,865

↑ $2,822

3 Bed

From$1,269

To$4,630

↑ $3,361

Syracuse, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $990–$1,270/mo

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/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

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$4,193

Difference

Home Values

Syracuse

Boston

$177K

Median Value

$961K

↑ +3.5%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↑ +55.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$138K - $348K

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 444% more expensive than Syracuse

Calculate payment - Syracuse Calculate payment - Boston

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$170

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.4%

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

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

Additional Tax Information

Syracuse, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:1.2%

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

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.