City Comparison
Elsmere vs Syracuse
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Syracuse scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Elsmere
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Elsmere is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
9% lower than in Syracuse.
| Metric | Elsmere | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,450 | $1,546 | -6% |
| Groceries | $380 | $450 | -16% |
| Utilities | $175 | $327 | -46% |
| Transport | $115 | $120 | -4% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $150 | +53% |
| Monthly Total | $2,350 | $2,593 | -9% |
| Cost Index | 98 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elsmere offers 14% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Elsmere delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Elsmere is estimated at
$52,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Elsmere | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $67,000 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 68,367 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $65,500 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Elsmere runs warmer on average — a 55.4°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Elsmere comes out ahead with 255 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Elsmere sees 13.2 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Elsmere | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 55.40°F | °F |
| Summer High | 83.50°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 25.70°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 40.80 in | in |
| Snowfall | 13.20 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 255 | |
| Humidity | 64.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Syracuse has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Elsmere.
Elsmere scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Elsmere leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Elsmere | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 24 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 52.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 62.0/100 | 57.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 46.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Syracuse is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Elsmere is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Elsmere has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Elsmere | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 6,150 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 39.2 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 4.20% | 5.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Elsmere
Advantages
Delaware's lack of state sales tax significantly reduces everyday retail and dining expenses per state tax guidelines.
Conveniently located just minutes from downtown Wilmington with easy access to major employers and cultural sites.
A strong community-focused suburban feel with active local parks and neighborhood events.
Proximity to world-class healthcare facilities like ChristianaCare systems in New Castle County.
Median home prices and rental rates remain competitive compared to nearby Philadelphia and northern suburbs.
Drawbacks
Traffic congestion can be heavy along primary commercial corridors like Kirkwood Highway during peak commuting hours.
Housing inventory can be limited, leading to competitive conditions for prospective buyers.
Property taxes in New Castle County can add to the overall cost of homeownership.
Limited public rail transit directly within town borders, making car ownership nearly essential.
Older housing stock may require regular maintenance and energy-efficiency updates.
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.
Elsmere
#379Delaware, USA
59.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$67,000
Cost Index
98
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
52.0/100
Walkability
62.0/100
Sunny Days
255/yr
Avg Temp
55.40°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
73
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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