City Comparison
Kennewick vs Syracuse
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Kennewick scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Kennewick
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Kennewick is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
4% lower than in Syracuse.
| Metric | Kennewick | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,550 | $1,546 | 0% |
| Groceries | $420 | $450 | -7% |
| Utilities | $175 | $327 | -46% |
| Transport | $115 | $120 | -4% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $150 | +60% |
| Monthly Total | $2,500 | $2,593 | -4% |
| Cost Index | 98 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Kennewick offers 9% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Kennewick delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Kennewick is estimated at
$52,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Kennewick | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $64,000 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 65,306 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $71,500 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Kennewick runs warmer on average — a 57.9°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Kennewick comes out ahead with 294 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Kennewick sees 6.6 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Kennewick | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 57.90°F | °F |
| Summer High | 91.70°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 32.30°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 11.90 in | in |
| Snowfall | 6.60 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 294 | |
| Humidity | 52.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Syracuse has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Kennewick.
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 | Kennewick | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 45.0/100 | 57.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Syracuse is the larger city
— approximately 0.6x the population of Kennewick.
From a growth perspective, Kennewick is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Kennewick has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Kennewick | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 84,157 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.30% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 35.8 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 4.50% | 5.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Kennewick
Advantages
Enjoy approximately 294 sunny days per year, ideal for outdoor recreation.
Affordable cost of living and housing prices compared to coastal Washington cities.
Proximity to the Columbia River offering exceptional boating, fishing, and parks.
Located in the heart of the Columbia Valley wine country with numerous nearby wineries.
Strong local economy driven by healthcare, agriculture, and government sectors.
Drawbacks
Hot and dry summer peak temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F.
High reliance on automobiles with limited public transit options outside core routes.
Limited high-paying tech sector jobs compared to western Washington metros.
Vulnerability to seasonal winds and occasional regional air quality impacts from wildfires.
Growing pains including rising housing and rental costs over recent years.
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.
Kennewick
#261Washington, USA
62.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,550
Avg Salary
$64,000
Cost Index
98
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
45.0/100
Sunny Days
294/yr
Avg Temp
57.90°F
Pop. Growth
1.30%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
75
Business
69
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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