City Comparison
Invercargill vs Syracuse
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Syracuse scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Invercargill
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Syracuse is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
11% lower than in Invercargill.
Housing costs are a major driver: Invercargill's average rent is
28% higher than Syracuse's.
| Metric | Invercargill | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,980 | $1,546 | +28% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $196 | $327 | -40% |
| Transport | $90 | $120 | -25% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $150 | +67% |
| Monthly Total | $2,916 | $2,593 | +12% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Syracuse offers 6% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Invercargill delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Invercargill is estimated at
$55,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Invercargill | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $55,050 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 57,947 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $60,982 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Invercargill runs warmer on average — a 50.8°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Invercargill comes out ahead with 181 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Invercargill sees 8.7 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Invercargill | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 50.80°F | °F |
| Summer High | 50.40°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 48.80°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 57.60 in | in |
| Snowfall | 8.70 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 181 | |
| Humidity | 84.60% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Syracuse has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,000 minutes (83 hours) per year compared to Invercargill.
Invercargill scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Invercargill leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Invercargill | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 60.0/100 | 57.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Syracuse is the larger city
— approximately 0.4x the population of Invercargill.
From a growth perspective, Syracuse is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Invercargill has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Invercargill | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 57,600 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.40% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 40.0 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 5.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Invercargill
Advantages
Invercargill is one of New Zealand's most affordable cities, with significantly lower living costs and housing prices compared to major centers.
The city offers excellent access to natural beauty, including Fiordland, The Catlins, and Stewart Island, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Invercargill boasts strong community infrastructure, including modern sporting facilities like a stadium, velodrome, and aquatic center.
The housing market is accessible for first-home buyers, with a median rent of NZD 495 per week and a median property price of NZD 547,087 as of August 2026.
The city has a lower crime rate compared to the national average, contributing to a safe living environment.
Drawbacks
The weather in Invercargill is known for being cool and often rainy, with winters that can get quite cold.
Employment opportunities can be more limited compared to larger New Zealand cities, with a strong reliance on primary industries.
The nightlife and entertainment options are generally quieter than in larger urban centers.
Invercargill can feel geographically isolated from other major cities in New Zealand, requiring longer travel times.
While generally safe, Invercargill Central has a crime rate of 545.307 crimes per thousand residents, with theft being the most common offense.
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.
Invercargill
#46Southland, New Zealand
59.4 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,980
Avg Salary
$55,050
Cost Index
95
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/100
Walkability
60.0/100
Sunny Days
181/yr
Avg Temp
50.80°F
Pop. Growth
0.40%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
74
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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