Is Washington, DC cheaper than Syracuse, NY?

Based on cost of living data, Washington, DC is 58.3% more expensive than Syracuse, NY. This translates to spending an extra $4376 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Syracuse, NY, you'd need approximately $202,512.147 in Washington, DC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Syracuse, NY and Washington, DC?

Housing in Washington, DC is 243.4% more expensive than in Syracuse, NY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,470/month in Washington, DC compared to $1,043/month in Syracuse, NY.

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

Living in Washington, DC costs approximately $4376 more per month than Syracuse, NY, or $52512 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Syracuse, NY vs Washington, DC: 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 $4.4K/month more in Washington, DC

$150.0K in your current city equals $202.5K in Washington, DC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 58.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$4,376

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$52.5K

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

Washington, DC

Population:690K

Cost Index:

158

(58% above avg)

Median Home:$556K

Syracuse, NY

The Empire State

146K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Washington, DC

The District of Columbia

690K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Nations capital
•No voting representation in Congress
•Major international city

Major Industries

GovernmentProfessional ServicesTourismEducation

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Syracuse, NY vs Washington, DC

Category	Syracuse, NY	Washington, DC	Difference	Change
Housing	$1,809/mo	$6,211/mo	↑ $4,402more	243.4%
Transportation	$1,421/mo	$1,885/mo	↑ $465more	32.7%
All Utilities	$562/mo	$508/mo	↓ $53.34less	9.5%
Groceries	$1,036/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $42.92more	4.1%
Other	$1,800/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $24.33more	1.4%
Healthcare	$648/mo	$632/mo	↓ $16.40less	2.5%

Housing

↑ 243.4%

Syracuse, NY

$1,809

Washington, DC

$6,211

Difference

$4,402

Transportation

↑ 32.7%

Syracuse, NY

$1,421

Washington, DC

$1,885

Difference

$465

All Utilities

↓ 9.5%

Syracuse, NY

$562

Washington, DC

$508

Difference

$53.34

less

Groceries

↑ 4.1%

Syracuse, NY

$1,036

Washington, DC

$1,079

Difference

$42.92

Other

↑ 1.4%

Syracuse, NY

$1,800

Washington, DC

$1,825

Difference

$24.33

Healthcare

↓ 2.5%

Syracuse, NY

$648

Washington, DC

$632

Difference

$16.40

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$748

To$2,150

↑ $1,402

1 Bed

From$839

To$2,215

↑ $1,376

2 Bed

From$1,043

To$2,470

↑ $1,427

3 Bed

From$1,269

To$3,115

↑ $1,846

Syracuse, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $990–$1,270/mo

Washington, DCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$3,020/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

$12,140

Monthly in Washington, DC

$4,864

Difference

Home Values

Syracuse

Washington

$177K

Median Value

$556K

↑ +3.5%

YoY Change

↓ -2.2%

↑ +55.5%

5-Year Change

↓ -5.6%

$138K - $348K

Price Range

$233K - $1.35M

Homes in Washington are 214% more expensive than Syracuse

Calculate payment - Syracuse Calculate payment - Washington

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $1.6K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$134

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.1%

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

Washington, DC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

District of Columbia State Tax

Effective: 7.4%

$11.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 32.1%

$48.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,486/month

$101.8K

Additional Tax Information

Syracuse, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:1.2%

Washington, DC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.