City Comparison
Bismarck vs Syracuse
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Bismarck scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Bismarck
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Bismarck is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
29% lower than in Syracuse.
Housing costs are a major driver: Bismarck's average rent is
26% lower than Syracuse's.
| Metric | Bismarck | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,150 | $1,546 | -26% |
| Groceries | $420 | $450 | -7% |
| Utilities | $170 | $327 | -48% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $150 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $1,850 | $2,593 | -29% |
| Cost Index | 96 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Bismarck offers 9% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Bismarck delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Bismarck is estimated at
$52,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Bismarck | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $64,000 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 66,667 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $76,500 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Bismarck runs warmer on average — a 44.7°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Bismarck comes out ahead with 279 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Bismarck sees 24.3 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Bismarck | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 44.70°F | °F |
| Summer High | 78.30°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 3.90°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 29.60 in | in |
| Snowfall | 24.30 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 279 | |
| Humidity | 64.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
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 | Bismarck | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 16 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 42.0/100 | 57.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Syracuse is the larger city
— approximately 0.5x the population of Bismarck.
From a growth perspective, Bismarck is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Bismarck has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Bismarck | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 74,131 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.10% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 38.5 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 2.50% | 5.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Bismarck
Advantages
Median home prices remain more affordable than the national average per recent regional housing reports.
Unemployment rates consistently track well below the national average due to a stable government and healthcare base.
Exceptional public safety with violent and property crime rates remaining significantly below national norms.
Short average commute times of under 20 minutes enhance daily work-life balance.
Abundant outdoor recreation access along the Missouri River and extensive local park systems.
Drawbacks
Severe winter weather brings prolonged freezing temperatures and significant snowfall that can disrupt travel.
Geographic isolation limits proximity to major metropolitan hubs and entertainment centers.
Limited public transit infrastructure makes owning a personal vehicle virtually mandatory.
Heating and utility costs spike during harsh winter months.
Air travel options from Bismarck Municipal Airport can involve layovers and higher ticket prices.
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.
Bismarck
#65North Dakota, USA
69.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,150
Avg Salary
$64,000
Cost Index
96
Commute
16 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
42.0/100
Sunny Days
279/yr
Avg Temp
44.70°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
2.50%
Livability
78
Business
71
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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