Performance
Score Breakdown
Hsinchu
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Hsinchu is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
60% lower compared to Syracuse.
Housing costs are a major driver: Hsinchu's average rent is
72% lower than Syracuse's.
| Metric | Hsinchu | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $440 | $1,546 | -72% |
| Groceries | $424 | $450 | -6% |
| Utilities | $127 | $327 | -61% |
| Transport | $41 | $120 | -66% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $150 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $1,032 | $2,593 | -60% |
| Cost Index | 39 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Syracuse offers 96% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Syracuse delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Hsinchu is estimated at
$1,336 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Hsinchu | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $2,504 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $1,336 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 6,421 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $143,905 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Hsinchu | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 78.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Hsinchu has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
9,000 minutes (150 hours) per year compared to Syracuse.
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 | Hsinchu | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 57.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 47.20 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Hsinchu is the larger city
— approximately 3.1x the population of Syracuse.
From a growth perspective, Syracuse is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Hsinchu has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Hsinchu | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 460,552 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.36% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 45.4 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 3.35% | 5.10% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Hsinchu
Advantages
Hsinchu boasts a strong economy driven by its world-leading high-tech industry, offering abundant job opportunities, particularly in semiconductors and related fields [3, 7, 11].
The city is recognized for its high safety levels, with a very low crime rate, contributing to a secure living environment for residents [4, 5, 20, 22].
Hsinchu offers a good quality of life with a blend of modern amenities, cultural attractions, and accessible natural spaces [5, 7].
The city has a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major tech hubs globally, especially when considering the high average salaries [4, 12].
Hsinchu has a growing population and a dynamic community, particularly among young professionals and families attracted by the tech sector [8, 11].
Drawbacks
The economy is heavily reliant on the tech sector, making it vulnerable to global industry fluctuations [3, 7].
Housing prices, especially near the Science Park, can be high due to strong demand from the tech workforce [4, 10, 11].
While public transport exists, car dependency might be higher for some residents, especially those commuting outside the immediate city center.
The city's rapid development and concentration of industry may lead to environmental pressures or traffic congestion in certain areas.
Limited diversity in major industries outside of technology could pose challenges during economic downturns affecting the tech sector.
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.
Hsinchu
#1Taiwan, China
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$440
Avg Salary
$2,504
Cost Index
39
Commute
min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.36%
Unemployment
3.35%
Livability
85
Business
80
Syracuse
#66New York, USA
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,546
Avg Salary
$58,525
Cost Index
103
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
57.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
5.10%
Livability
70
Business
70
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