City Comparison
Kalispell vs Syracuse
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Kalispell scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Kalispell
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Kalispell is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
7% lower than in Syracuse.
| Metric | Kalispell | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,450 | $1,546 | -6% |
| Groceries | $420 | $450 | -7% |
| Utilities | $175 | $327 | -46% |
| Transport | $130 | $120 | +8% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $150 | +60% |
| Monthly Total | $2,415 | $2,593 | -7% |
| Cost Index | 104 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Syracuse offers 1% 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 Kalispell is estimated at
$52,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Kalispell | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,000 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 55,769 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $64,500 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Kalispell runs warmer on average — a 45.5°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Kalispell comes out ahead with 249 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Kalispell sees 50.8 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Kalispell | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 45.50°F | °F |
| Summer High | 76.50°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 16.50°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 30.20 in | in |
| Snowfall | 50.80 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 249 | |
| Humidity | 60.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
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 | Kalispell | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 18 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 52.0/100 | 57.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Syracuse is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x the population of Kalispell.
From a growth perspective, Kalispell is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Kalispell has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Kalispell | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 26,500 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.10% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 39.5 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 3.20% | 5.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Kalispell
Advantages
Unmatched proximity to Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake providing world-class outdoor recreation
Robust regional healthcare sector anchored by Logan Health offering advanced medical services
Thriving historic downtown area featuring local boutiques, craft breweries, and community events
Strong sense of community and a family-friendly environment with scenic mountain views
Growing local economy supported by tourism, manufacturing, and professional services
Drawbacks
Substantial housing price appreciation and rental cost increases driven by high migration rates
High reliance on automobiles with limited public transit options across the wider valley
Cold, snowy winter conditions that require preparation and adaptation for residents
Seasonal traffic congestion along major thoroughfares during peak summer tourism months
Limited inventory in the local real estate market making housing acquisition competitive
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.
Kalispell
#241Montana, USA
62.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$58,000
Cost Index
104
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
52.0/100
Sunny Days
249/yr
Avg Temp
45.50°F
Pop. Growth
2.10%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
78
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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