City Comparison
Clayton vs Syracuse
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Clayton scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Clayton
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Clayton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
9% lower than in Syracuse.
| Metric | Clayton | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,450 | $1,546 | -6% |
| Groceries | $380 | $450 | -16% |
| Utilities | $175 | $327 | -46% |
| Transport | $130 | $120 | +8% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $150 | +53% |
| Monthly Total | $2,365 | $2,593 | -9% |
| Cost Index | 96 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Clayton offers 16% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Clayton delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Clayton is estimated at
$52,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Clayton | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $68,000 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 70,833 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $78,500 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Clayton runs warmer on average — a 55.7°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Clayton comes out ahead with 248 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Clayton sees 16.2 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Clayton | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 55.70°F | °F |
| Summer High | 82.30°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 25.90°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 47.20 in | in |
| Snowfall | 16.20 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 248 | |
| Humidity | 64.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Syracuse has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,000 minutes (83 hours) per year compared to Clayton.
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 | Clayton | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 38.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 52.0/100 | 57.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Syracuse is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Clayton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Clayton has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Clayton | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 4,125 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.10% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 37.5 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 3.90% | 5.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Clayton
Advantages
Median home prices and overall cost of living remain significantly more affordable than northern Delaware and nearby major metropolitan areas.
Crime rates in Clayton are substantially lower than the national average, providing a notably secure and family-friendly environment.
Favorable Delaware tax structure, including low property taxes and no state sales tax, benefits residents' long-term financial planning.
Strategic location along major regional corridors offers manageable commutes to employment centers in Dover, Wilmington, and Maryland.
Tight-knit community character featuring historic charm, local parks, and active neighborhood engagement.
Drawbacks
High level of car dependency due to limited public transportation options within suburban residential areas.
Limited local dining, nightlife, and entertainment options within town limits, requiring travel to neighboring towns for variety.
Inventory of available rental housing can be tight, as the market is heavily weighted toward single-family homeownership.
Local commercial infrastructure is modest, necessitating regular trips to Smyrna or Dover for major retail shopping.
Regional traffic congestion can build up along key commuter arteries during peak morning and evening rush hours.
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.
Clayton
#59Delaware, USA
70.2 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$68,000
Cost Index
96
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
38.0/100
Walkability
52.0/100
Sunny Days
248/yr
Avg Temp
55.70°F
Pop. Growth
2.10%
Unemployment
3.90%
Livability
76
Business
67
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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