City Comparison
Fairmont vs Syracuse
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Fairmont scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Fairmont
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Fairmont is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
42% lower than in Syracuse.
Housing costs are a major driver: Fairmont's average rent is
45% lower than Syracuse's.
| Metric | Fairmont | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $850 | $1,546 | -45% |
| Groceries | $380 | $450 | -16% |
| Utilities | $175 | $327 | -46% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $150 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $1,515 | $2,593 | -42% |
| Cost Index | 84 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Syracuse offers 11% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Fairmont delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Fairmont is estimated at
$42,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Fairmont | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $52,000 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $42,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 61,905 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $48,500 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Fairmont runs warmer on average — a 53.2°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Fairmont comes out ahead with 215 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Fairmont sees 30.2 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Fairmont | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 53.20°F | °F |
| Summer High | 81.80°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 21.20°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 49.50 in | in |
| Snowfall | 30.20 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 215 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Syracuse has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Fairmont.
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 | Fairmont | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 48.0/100 | 57.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 32.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Syracuse is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Fairmont.
From a growth perspective, Syracuse is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Fairmont has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Fairmont | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 18,450 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | — | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 40.5 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 4.80% | 5.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Fairmont
Advantages
Median home purchase prices in Fairmont are significantly lower than the U.S. national average per Zillow data.
Proximity to Valley Falls State Park offers residents world-class outdoor recreation, hiking, and whitewater rafting.
Fairmont State University provides local cultural events, continuing education, and a boost to the regional economy.
The local cost of living index sits well below the national average, easing financial pressures for families.
Growing tech initiatives at the nearby I-79 Technology Park provide expanding professional employment opportunities.
Drawbacks
Average local salaries are lower compared to national metropolitan benchmarks per Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Public transportation options are limited, making car ownership practically mandatory for daily errands.
Job growth rates in traditional sectors trail behind fast-growing metropolitan technology hubs.
Winters bring significant snowfall (averaging over 30 inches annually), requiring winterized commuting preparation.
Limited high-end retail and entertainment options within city limits necessitate trips to larger neighboring cities.
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.
Fairmont
#343West Virginia, USA
60.1 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$850
Avg Salary
$52,000
Cost Index
84
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
48.0/100
Sunny Days
215/yr
Avg Temp
53.20°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.80%
Livability
72
Business
65
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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