City Comparison
Fernley vs Syracuse
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Fernley scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Fernley
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Syracuse is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
1% lower than in Fernley.
| Metric | Fernley | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,650 | $1,546 | +7% |
| Groceries | $420 | $450 | -7% |
| Utilities | $175 | $327 | -46% |
| Transport | $130 | $120 | +8% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $150 | +60% |
| Monthly Total | $2,615 | $2,593 | +1% |
| Cost Index | 98 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Fernley offers 9% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Fernley delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Fernley is estimated at
$54,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Fernley | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $64,000 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $54,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 65,306 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $69,500 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Fernley runs warmer on average — a 56.7°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Fernley comes out ahead with 325 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Fernley sees 11.9 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Fernley | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 56.70°F | °F |
| Summer High | 90.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 30.20°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 7.70 in | in |
| Snowfall | 11.90 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 325 | |
| Humidity | 35.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Syracuse has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,000 minutes (83 hours) per year compared to Fernley.
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 | Fernley | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 40.0/100 | 57.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Syracuse is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x the population of Fernley.
From a growth perspective, Fernley is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Fernley has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Fernley | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 23,377 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.80% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 39.2 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 4.50% | 5.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Fernley
Advantages
No state income tax in Nevada provides direct financial benefits for residents and workers.
Proximity to the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center offers robust local job opportunities in manufacturing and logistics.
Median home prices remain more affordable than in nearby Reno and Sparks per regional MLS data.
Abundant access to outdoor recreation, including Pyramid Lake and high desert trails.
Small-town community atmosphere paired with convenient interstate access.
Drawbacks
High car dependency due to limited public transportation options within city limits.
Limited local dining, entertainment, and cultural amenities require trips to Reno for variety.
High summer temperatures can exceed 90°F regularly, increasing seasonal cooling costs.
Limited local specialty healthcare services require travel to major regional hospitals.
Rapid industrial growth has led to increased truck traffic along key local corridors.
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.
Fernley
#190Nevada, USA
64.1 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,650
Avg Salary
$64,000
Cost Index
98
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
40.0/100
Sunny Days
325/yr
Avg Temp
56.70°F
Pop. Growth
1.80%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
72
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
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