City Comparison
Elkhart vs Syracuse
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Syracuse scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Elkhart
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elkhart is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
8% lower than in Syracuse.
Housing costs are a major driver: Elkhart's average rent is
29% lower than Syracuse's.
| Metric | Elkhart | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,090 | $1,546 | -29% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $369 | $327 | +13% |
| Transport | $385 | $120 | +221% |
| Healthcare | $139 | $150 | -7% |
| Monthly Total | $2,383 | $2,593 | -8% |
| Cost Index | 91 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Syracuse offers 28% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Syracuse delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Elkhart is estimated at
$66,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Elkhart | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $42,361 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $66,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 46,551 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $51,028 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Elkhart runs warmer on average — a 51.1°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Elkhart comes out ahead with 239 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Elkhart sees 39.2 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Elkhart | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 51.10°F | °F |
| Summer High | 81.80°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 19.10°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 36.60 in | in |
| Snowfall | 39.20 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 239 | |
| Humidity | 70.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 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 | Elkhart | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 17 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 1.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 38.0/100 | 57.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | ||
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Syracuse is the larger city
— approximately 0.4x the population of Elkhart.
From a growth perspective, Syracuse is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Elkhart has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Elkhart | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 54,082 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | — | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 35.0 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 3.80% | 5.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Elkhart
Advantages
The cost of living in Elkhart is significantly lower than the national average, particularly for housing and groceries.
Elkhart is the "RV Capital of the World," providing a strong and stable manufacturing job market.
Average commute times are shorter than the Indiana state average, enhancing daily convenience for residents.
The city's crime trajectory shows an improving trend, with violent crime decreasing by 15.5% year-over-year.
Access to affordable healthcare services is available through community health centers offering sliding fee scales.
Drawbacks
Elkhart has a high crime rate, with violent crimes significantly above the national average, earning it a safety grade of 'F'.
The city is largely car-dependent, with low walkability and minimal public transit options.
Elkhart's population is currently experiencing a slight annual decline.
The economy is heavily reliant on the cyclical RV manufacturing industry, which can lead to economic fluctuations.
Despite recent improvements, the overall crime rate remains a significant concern compared to other communities.
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.
Elkhart
#586Indiana, USA
45.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,090
Avg Salary
$42,361
Cost Index
91
Commute
17 min
Transit Score
1.0/100
Walkability
38.0/100
Sunny Days
239/yr
Avg Temp
51.10°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
68
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
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Elkhart and Syracuse.
Open Cost Calculator