Is San Diego, CA cheaper than Syracuse, NY?

Based on cost of living data, San Diego, CA is 50.0% more expensive than Syracuse, NY. This translates to spending an extra $3751 per month.

What salary do I need in San Diego, CA to live like I do in Syracuse, NY?

If you earn $150,000 in Syracuse, NY, you'd need approximately $195,011.508 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Syracuse, NY and San Diego, CA?

Housing in San Diego, CA is 188.8% more expensive than in Syracuse, NY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,360/month in San Diego, CA compared to $1,043/month in Syracuse, NY.

How much can I save per month by moving from Syracuse, NY to San Diego, CA?

Living in San Diego, CA costs approximately $3751 more per month than Syracuse, NY, or $45012 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Syracuse, NY vs San Diego, CA: 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 $3.8K/month more in San Diego, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $195.0K in San Diego, CA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 50.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,751

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$45.0K

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

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:

150

(50% above avg)

Median Home:$980K

Syracuse, NY

The Empire State

146K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

San Diego, CA

The Golden State

1.4M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Year-round perfect weather
•Major military presence
•Biotech hub

Major Industries

MilitaryTechnologyTourismBiotechnology

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Syracuse, NY vs San Diego, CA

Category	Syracuse, NY	San Diego, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$1,809/mo	$5,223/mo	↑ $3,415more	188.8%
Transportation	$1,421/mo	$1,571/mo	↑ $150more	10.6%
Other	$1,800/mo	$1,892/mo	↑ $91.29more	5.1%
All Utilities	$562/mo	$634/mo	↑ $72.34more	12.9%
Groceries	$1,036/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $42.92more	4.1%
Healthcare	$648/mo	$638/mo	↓ $10.21less	1.6%

Housing

↑ 188.8%

Syracuse, NY

$1,809

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Difference

$3,415

Transportation

↑ 10.6%

Syracuse, NY

$1,421

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Difference

$150

Other

↑ 5.1%

Syracuse, NY

$1,800

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Difference

$91.29

All Utilities

↑ 12.9%

Syracuse, NY

$562

San Diego, CA

$634

Difference

$72.34

Groceries

↑ 4.1%

Syracuse, NY

$1,036

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Difference

$42.92

Healthcare

↓ 1.6%

Syracuse, NY

$648

San Diego, CA

$638

Difference

$10.21

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$748

To$2,565

↑ $1,817

1 Bed

From$839

To$2,755

↑ $1,916

2 Bed

From$1,043

To$3,360

↑ $2,317

3 Bed

From$1,269

To$4,475

↑ $3,206

Syracuse, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $990–$1,270/mo

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/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

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$3,762

Difference

Home Values

Syracuse

San Diego

$177K

Median Value

$980K

↑ +3.5%

YoY Change

↓ -3%

↑ +55.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.4%

$138K - $348K

Price Range

$598K - $2.01M

Homes in San Diego are 455% more expensive than Syracuse

Calculate payment - Syracuse Calculate payment - San Diego

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $1.1K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$90.26

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.7%

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

San Diego, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Additional Tax Information

Syracuse, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:1.2%

San Diego, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

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.