City Comparison
Frankfort vs Syracuse
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Frankfort scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Frankfort
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Frankfort is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
23% lower than in Syracuse.
Housing costs are a major driver: Frankfort's average rent is
29% lower than Syracuse's.
| Metric | Frankfort | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,100 | $1,546 | -29% |
| Groceries | $380 | $450 | -16% |
| Utilities | $175 | $327 | -46% |
| Transport | $115 | $120 | -4% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $150 | +53% |
| Monthly Total | $2,000 | $2,593 | -23% |
| Cost Index | 91 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Syracuse offers 1% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Frankfort delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Frankfort is estimated at
$48,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Frankfort | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,000 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $48,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 63,736 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $55,400 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Frankfort runs warmer on average — a 56.3°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Frankfort comes out ahead with 235 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Frankfort sees 19.5 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Frankfort | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 56.30°F | °F |
| Summer High | 84.80°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 25.50°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 55.50 in | in |
| Snowfall | 19.50 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 235 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 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, Frankfort leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Frankfort | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 19 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 57.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Syracuse is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x the population of Frankfort.
From a growth perspective, Frankfort is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Frankfort has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Frankfort | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 28,602 | 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
Frankfort
Advantages
Median home prices remain significantly more affordable than the national average, per Zillow data.
Short average commute times provide residents with a better daily work-life balance.
Rich historical architecture and scenic Kentucky River backdrop enhance neighborhood aesthetics.
Stable local economy anchored by state government and public administration employment.
Abundant access to parks, outdoor recreation, and the nearby Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
Drawbacks
Public transit options are limited, resulting in high reliance on personal automobiles.
Nightlife and entertainment options are subdued compared to nearby Louisville and Lexington.
Limited high-paying private sector diversification outside of government and healthcare.
humid summer climate can be uncomfortable for those sensitive to high seasonal temperatures.
Limited commercial flight options locally, requiring travel to Lexington or Louisville airports.
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.
Frankfort
#293Kentucky, USA
61.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,100
Avg Salary
$58,000
Cost Index
91
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
235/yr
Avg Temp
56.30°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
75
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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