City Comparison
Casper vs Syracuse
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Casper scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Casper
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Casper is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
12% lower than in Syracuse.
Housing costs are a major driver: Casper's average rent is
23% lower than Syracuse's.
| Metric | Casper | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,198 | $1,546 | -23% |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Utilities | $257 | $327 | -21% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $150 | +67% |
| Monthly Total | $2,275 | $2,593 | -12% |
| Cost Index | 90 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Syracuse offers 4% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Casper delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Casper is estimated at
$54,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Casper | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $56,133 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $54,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 62,370 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $72,156 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Casper runs warmer on average — a 49.3°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Casper comes out ahead with 292 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Casper sees 29.8 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Casper | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 49.30°F | °F |
| Summer High | 85.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 19.10°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 13.30 in | in |
| Snowfall | 29.80 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 292 | |
| Humidity | % | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Casper has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Syracuse.
Casper scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Casper leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Casper | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 15 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 60.0/100 | 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 Casper.
From a growth perspective, Syracuse is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Casper has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Casper | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 58,997 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.10% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 37.3 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 2.50% | 5.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Casper
Advantages
No state income tax, saving residents a significant portion of their earnings.
Affordable housing market with median home prices and rental rates well below national averages.
Abundant outdoor recreation opportunities including hiking, fishing, and skiing, with natural beauty readily accessible.
Short commute times and minimal traffic congestion, averaging around 13-20 minutes.
A strong sense of community and a grounded lifestyle, appealing to those seeking a less hectic pace.
Drawbacks
Relentless wind is a constant factor, particularly noticeable in spring.
Winters can be harsh and cold, with potential for significant snowfall.
Smaller job market and fewer amenities compared to major metropolitan areas.
Geographic distance from major cities can lead to longer travel times for certain services or attractions.
Limited selection for shopping and dining options compared to larger urban centers.
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.
Casper
#236Wyoming, USA
62.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,198
Avg Salary
$56,133
Cost Index
90
Commute
15 min
Transit Score
55.0/100
Walkability
60.0/100
Sunny Days
292/yr
Avg Temp
49.30°F
Pop. Growth
0.10%
Unemployment
2.50%
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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