City Comparison
Gilbert vs Syracuse
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Gilbert scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Gilbert
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Syracuse is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
22% lower than in Gilbert.
Housing costs are a major driver: Gilbert's average rent is
55% higher than Syracuse's.
| Metric | Gilbert | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,400 | $1,546 | +55% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $180 | $327 | -45% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $150 | +47% |
| Monthly Total | $3,320 | $2,593 | +28% |
| Cost Index | 104 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Gilbert offers 28% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Gilbert delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Gilbert is estimated at
$65,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Gilbert | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $75,000 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $65,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 72,115 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $122,551 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Gilbert runs warmer on average — a 75.9°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Gilbert comes out ahead with 330 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Gilbert sees 0 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Gilbert | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 75.90°F | °F |
| Summer High | 106.20°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 47.50°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 13.40 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 330 | |
| Humidity | 30.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Syracuse has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,000 minutes (67 hours) per year compared to Gilbert.
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 | Gilbert | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 26 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 42.0/100 | 57.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 52.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Gilbert is the larger city
— approximately 1.9x the population of Syracuse.
From a growth perspective, Gilbert is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Gilbert has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Gilbert | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 287,285 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.50% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 36.1 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 5.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Gilbert
Advantages
Median household income exceeds $122,000, reflecting a prosperous local economy per U.S. Census Bureau data.
Consistently ranked among the safest large towns and cities in the United States.
Exceptional public school system performance paired with high educational attainment rates.
Vibrant Heritage District offering diverse dining, shopping, and community events.
Abundant outdoor recreation infrastructure, including the Riparian Preserve and extensive trail networks.
Drawbacks
Summer high temperatures regularly exceed 100°F for multiple consecutive months.
High cost of living and housing prices relative to the national average and broader state figures.
Significant car dependency with limited public mass transit options.
Rapid development is steadily reducing remaining vacant land and open desert spaces.
Traffic congestion during peak hours along major arterial 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.
Gilbert
#44Arizona, USA
71.1 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,400
Avg Salary
$75,000
Cost Index
104
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
42.0/100
Sunny Days
330/yr
Avg Temp
75.90°F
Pop. Growth
1.50%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
85
Business
78
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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