City Comparison
Hempstead vs Syracuse
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Syracuse scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Hempstead
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 Hempstead.
Housing costs are a major driver: Hempstead's average rent is
42% higher than Syracuse's.
| Metric | Hempstead | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,200 | $1,546 | +42% |
| Groceries | $480 | $450 | +7% |
| Utilities | $210 | $327 | -36% |
| Transport | $150 | $120 | +25% |
| Healthcare | $280 | $150 | +87% |
| Monthly Total | $3,320 | $2,593 | +28% |
| Cost Index | 135 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Hempstead offers 33% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Hempstead delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Hempstead is estimated at
$72,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Hempstead | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $78,000 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $72,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 57,778 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $125,000 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Hempstead runs warmer on average — a 54°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Hempstead comes out ahead with 249 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Hempstead sees 18.8 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Hempstead | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 54.00°F | °F |
| Summer High | 82.90°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 24.80°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 45.10 in | in |
| Snowfall | 18.80 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 249 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Syracuse has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
8,000 minutes (133 hours) per year compared to Hempstead.
Hempstead scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Hempstead leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Hempstead | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 34 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 62.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 57.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 65.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Hempstead is the larger city
— approximately 5.4x the population of Syracuse.
From a growth perspective, Syracuse is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Hempstead has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Hempstead | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 793,409 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.40% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 39.5 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 3.60% | 5.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Hempstead
Advantages
Proximity to New York City via the Long Island Rail Road provides excellent commuter access.
Diverse and vibrant local community with rich cultural events and dining.
Abundant parks, recreational facilities, and proximity to Long Island's South Shore beaches.
Strong local employment sectors in education, healthcare, and professional services.
Presence of higher education institutions like Hofstra University enriching the local intellectual climate.
Drawbacks
Significantly higher cost of living and housing expenses compared to the U.S. national average.
High property taxes across Nassau County impacting homeowners.
Traffic congestion during peak commuting hours on major local parkways and roadways.
Competitive housing market with high demand limiting affordable options.
Higher than average utility and everyday consumer goods costs.
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.
Hempstead
#510New York, USA
52.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,200
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
135
Commute
34 min
Transit Score
62.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
249/yr
Avg Temp
54.00°F
Pop. Growth
0.40%
Unemployment
3.60%
Livability
73
Business
68
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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