City Comparison
Johnston vs Syracuse
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Johnston scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Johnston
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Syracuse is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
14% lower than in Johnston.
Housing costs are a major driver: Johnston's average rent is
34% higher than Syracuse's.
| Metric | Johnston | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,072 | $1,546 | +34% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $180 | $327 | -45% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $150 | +67% |
| Monthly Total | $3,022 | $2,593 | +17% |
| Cost Index | 105 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Johnston offers 23% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Johnston delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Johnston is estimated at
$60,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Johnston | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $72,000 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $60,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 68,571 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $91,866 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Johnston runs warmer on average — a 51.7°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Johnston comes out ahead with 253 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Johnston sees 19.9 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Johnston | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 51.70°F | °F |
| Summer High | 80.60°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 22.30°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 46.30 in | in |
| Snowfall | 19.90 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 253 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Syracuse has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,000 minutes (67 hours) per year compared to Johnston.
For walkability, Syracuse leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Johnston | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 26 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 45.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 52.0/100 | 57.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 48.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Syracuse is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x the population of Johnston.
From a growth perspective, Syracuse is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Johnston has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Johnston | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 30,626 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.43% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 44.5 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 4.30% | 5.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Johnston
Advantages
Median household income stands at a robust $91,866 per census data, outperforming national averages.
Convenient location in Providence County providing quick access to downtown Providence and major highways.
Quiet, family-friendly residential neighborhoods such as Winsor Hill and Graniteville.
Active local municipal governance with dedicated community parks and recreational programming.
Close proximity to top-tier healthcare systems and medical centers in Rhode Island.
Drawbacks
Average rent prices exceed $2,000 per month, reflecting broader regional housing pressures.
High car dependency with limited public transit infrastructure within town boundaries.
Property tax rates and real estate costs have risen steadily in line with statewide trends.
Varying winter weather conditions require reliable snow removal and vehicle preparation.
Limited nightlife and entertainment options directly within town borders, requiring trips to Providence.
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.
Johnston
#253Rhode Island, USA
62.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,072
Avg Salary
$72,000
Cost Index
105
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
45.0/100
Walkability
52.0/100
Sunny Days
253/yr
Avg Temp
51.70°F
Pop. Growth
0.43%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
76
Business
70
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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