City Comparison
Brighton vs Syracuse
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Brighton scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Brighton
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Syracuse is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
4% lower than in Brighton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Brighton's average rent is
13% higher than Syracuse's.
| Metric | Brighton | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,750 | $1,546 | +13% |
| Groceries | $420 | $450 | -7% |
| Utilities | $170 | $327 | -48% |
| Transport | $130 | $120 | +8% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $150 | +60% |
| Monthly Total | $2,710 | $2,593 | +5% |
| Cost Index | 102 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Brighton offers 21% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Brighton delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Brighton is estimated at
$60,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Brighton | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $71,000 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $60,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 69,608 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $85,000 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Brighton runs warmer on average — a 53°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Brighton comes out ahead with 282 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Brighton sees 23.3 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Brighton | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 53.00°F | °F |
| Summer High | 85.80°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 20.10°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 17.10 in | in |
| Snowfall | 23.30 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 282 | |
| Humidity | 48.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Syracuse has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,500 minutes (92 hours) per year compared to Brighton.
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 | Brighton | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 29 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 45.0/100 | 57.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 52.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Syracuse is the larger city
— approximately 0.3x the population of Brighton.
From a growth perspective, Brighton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Brighton has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Brighton | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 41,543 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.10% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 35.5 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 3.80% | 5.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Brighton
Advantages
Median home prices and rental rates offer better affordability compared to downtown Denver and Boulder.
Abundant outdoor recreation options including over 30 city parks and the Adams County Fairgrounds.
Strategic location along I-76 and US-85 provides convenient access to Denver International Airport and the broader metro area.
Strong sense of community highlighted by popular annual local events, farmers markets, and historic downtown revitalization.
Family-friendly neighborhoods with growing educational facilities and youth community programs.
Drawbacks
High reliance on personal vehicles leads to significant commuter traffic on major highways during peak hours.
Rapid regional growth has placed upward pressure on housing costs and infrastructure development.
Limited high-end nightlife and entertainment options directly within city limits compared to central Denver.
Weather variability with occasional heavy spring snowstorms and dry summer conditions affecting local landscaping.
Public transit coverage is limited outside of commuter bus lines and major arterial corridors.
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.
Brighton
#155Colorado, USA
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,750
Avg Salary
$71,000
Cost Index
102
Commute
29 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
45.0/100
Sunny Days
282/yr
Avg Temp
53.00°F
Pop. Growth
2.10%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
75
Business
70
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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