Performance
Score Breakdown
Aiken
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Aiken is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
7% lower compared to Syracuse.
| Metric | Aiken | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,400 | $1,546 | -9% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $236 | $327 | -28% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $150 | +67% |
| Monthly Total | $2,406 | $2,593 | -7% |
| Cost Index | 89 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Aiken offers 13% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Aiken delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Aiken is estimated at
$55,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Aiken | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,884 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 74,027 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $76,746 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Aiken | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Syracuse has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Aiken.
Syracuse scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Syracuse leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Aiken | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 24 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Walkability | 55.0/10 | 57.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Syracuse is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x the population of Aiken.
From a growth perspective, Aiken is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Aiken has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Aiken | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 33,306 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.20% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 46.6 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 3.40% | 5.10% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Aiken
Advantages
The cost of living in Aiken is approximately 11% lower than the national average.
Aiken boasts a higher homeownership rate of 68.1% as of 2024.
The city offers a mild climate with ample opportunities for outdoor activities and a vibrant downtown.
Aiken County's unemployment rate of 3.4% in April 2026 is lower than the national average.
The average commute time of 24 minutes is considered manageable.
Drawbacks
Aiken's transportation system is largely car-dependent, with limited public transit options.
The city's safety index of 30 suggests a higher crime rate compared to national benchmarks.
Aiken County's poverty rate of 14.3% is higher than the national average of 12.5%.
While the downtown is walkable, the city overall has a lower walkability score due to car dependency.
Some utility costs are reported to be slightly higher than the national average.
Syracuse
Advantages
Syracuse offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major cities in New York State.
The city has a growing job market, particularly in healthcare, education, and advanced manufacturing, with significant projects like Micron's semiconductor facility boosting employment opportunities.
Syracuse is home to strong educational institutions, including Syracuse University and SUNY Upstate Medical University, contributing to a vibrant and educated community.
The city boasts a good safety profile, with a violent crime rate significantly below the national average.
Residents benefit from manageable commute times, averaging around 18 minutes.
Drawbacks
Syracuse experiences severe and snowy winters, with heavy annual snowfall.
The city has a higher cost of living than the national average, particularly concerning housing expenses.
Public transportation can be unreliable, contributing to a medium car dependency for residents.
Some areas of the city face challenges with crime and poverty.
Utility costs, especially for heating, can be high due to long, cold winters.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Aiken
#56South Carolina, USA
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,400
Avg Salary
$65,884
Cost Index
89
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
35.0/10
Walkability
55.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.20%
Unemployment
3.40%
Livability
72
Business
65
Syracuse
#56New York, USA
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,546
Avg Salary
$58,525
Cost Index
103
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
57.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
5.10%
Livability
70
Business
70
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