Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Syracuse, NY?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 1.1% more expensive than Syracuse, NY. The two cities have very similar living costs.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Syracuse, NY, you'd need approximately $150,945.252 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Syracuse, NY and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 36.5% more expensive than in Syracuse, NY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,043/month in Syracuse, NY.

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

Syracuse, NY and Raleigh, NC have very similar costs of living, based on a $150,000 salary.

Syracuse, NY vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Syracuse, NY — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Newark, NJ area

Current salary in Syracuse, NY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $78.77/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.9K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 1.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$78.77

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$945

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

Median Home:$177K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:101

Median Home:$512K

Syracuse, NY

The Empire State

146K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Syracuse, NY vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Syracuse, NY	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,809/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $660more	36.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,421/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $136less	9.6%
📦Other	$1,800/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $92.85less	5.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,036/mo	$959/mo	↓ $76.99less	7.4%
🏥Healthcare	$648/mo	$601/mo	↓ $47.38less	7.3%
⚡All Utilities	$562/mo	$546/mo	↓ $15.09less	2.7%

🏠Housing

↑ 36.5%

Syracuse, NY

$1,809

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$660

🚗Transportation

↓ 9.6%

Syracuse, NY

$1,421

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$136

less

📦Other

↓ 5.2%

Syracuse, NY

$1,800

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$92.85

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 7.4%

Syracuse, NY

$1,036

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$76.99

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 7.3%

Syracuse, NY

$648

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$47.38

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 2.7%

Syracuse, NY

$562

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$15.09

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$748

To$1,570

↑ $822

1 Bed

From$839

To$1,640

↑ $801

2 Bed

From$1,043

To$1,800

↑ $757

3 Bed

From$1,269

To$2,255

↑ $986

Syracuse, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $990–$1,270/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$291

Difference

Home Values

Syracuse

Raleigh

$177K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +3.5%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +55.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$138K - $348K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 190% more expensive than Syracuse

Calculate payment - Syracuse Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$202

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.6%

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

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Syracuse, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:1.2%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.