City Comparison
Anderson vs Syracuse
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Anderson scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Anderson
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Anderson is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
15% lower than in Syracuse.
Housing costs are a major driver: Anderson's average rent is
38% lower than Syracuse's.
| Metric | Anderson | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $957 | $1,546 | -38% |
| Groceries | $401 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $180 | $327 | -45% |
| Transport | $381 | $120 | +218% |
| Healthcare | $276 | $150 | +84% |
| Monthly Total | $2,195 | $2,593 | -15% |
| Cost Index | 84 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Syracuse offers 14% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Anderson delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Anderson is estimated at
$34,800 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Anderson | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $50,050 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $34,800 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 59,583 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $46,909 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Anderson runs warmer on average — a 52.8°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Anderson comes out ahead with 241 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Anderson sees 19.4 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Anderson | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 52.80°F | °F |
| Summer High | 82.50°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 19.90°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 36.20 in | in |
| Snowfall | 19.40 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 241 | |
| Humidity | 73.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Syracuse has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,500 minutes (58 hours) per year compared to Anderson.
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 | Anderson | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 40.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 47.0/100 | 57.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Syracuse is the larger city
— approximately 0.4x the population of Anderson.
From a growth perspective, Syracuse is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Anderson has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Anderson | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 56,404 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.45% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 38.9 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 3.70% | 5.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Anderson
Advantages
Housing costs are significantly lower than the national average, making homeownership more accessible.
The overall cost of living in Anderson is 16% lower than the national average.
The city offers practical access to jobs and regional commuting convenience due to its location on the I-69 corridor.
Healthcare costs are more affordable than the US average, with two local hospitals providing comprehensive services.
Anderson has a diverse range of local amenities, parks, and cultural attractions, contributing to a balanced lifestyle.
Drawbacks
The median household income in Anderson is lower than the national and state averages.
The poverty rate in Anderson is higher than the state average.
While public transit exists, the city is largely car-dependent, with most residents driving to work.
Rent prices have seen a recent increase, with a 6.4% rise year over year as of October 2026.
The average salary in Anderson is lower 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.
Anderson
#109Indiana, USA
67.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$957
Avg Salary
$50,050
Cost Index
84
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
40.0/100
Walkability
47.0/100
Sunny Days
241/yr
Avg Temp
52.80°F
Pop. Growth
0.45%
Unemployment
3.70%
Livability
74
Business
68
Syracuse
#361New York, USA
59.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,546
Avg Salary
$58,525
Cost Index
103
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
45.0/100
Walkability
57.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
5.10%
Livability
70
Business
70
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