City Comparison
Lafayette vs Syracuse
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Lafayette scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Lafayette
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Lafayette is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
21% lower than in Syracuse.
Housing costs are a major driver: Lafayette's average rent is
26% lower than Syracuse's.
| Metric | Lafayette | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,150 | $1,546 | -26% |
| Groceries | $380 | $450 | -16% |
| Utilities | $175 | $327 | -46% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $150 | +53% |
| Monthly Total | $2,045 | $2,593 | -21% |
| Cost Index | 89 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Lafayette offers 4% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Lafayette delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Lafayette is estimated at
$48,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Lafayette | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $61,000 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $48,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 68,539 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $63,500 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Lafayette runs warmer on average — a 53.8°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Lafayette comes out ahead with 251 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Lafayette sees 22.6 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Lafayette | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 53.80°F | °F |
| Summer High | 84.10°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 20.00°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 29.40 in | in |
| Snowfall | 22.60 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 251 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Lafayette 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 | Lafayette | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 19 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 48.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 55.0/100 | 57.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Syracuse is the larger city
— approximately 0.5x the population of Lafayette.
From a growth perspective, Lafayette is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Lafayette has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Lafayette | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 72,323 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.10% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 35.5 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 3.80% | 5.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Lafayette
Advantages
Median home prices and rental rates remain significantly below the national US average per Zillow and HUD data.
Robust local manufacturing and engineering job sectors anchored by Subaru of Indiana Automotive and Caterpillar.
Proximity to Purdue University brings cultural events, Big Ten athletics, and continuous economic innovation.
Manageable average commute times under 20 minutes compared to major metropolitan congestion.
Extensive parks and recreation network including Columbian Park and Wabash River trail systems.
Drawbacks
Car dependency is high, with limited rapid transit options outside of local bus routes.
Sub-freezing winter temperatures and seasonal snowfall require ongoing municipal snow removal management.
Wage growth has occasionally lagged behind sudden spikes in housing demand near the university border.
Local entertainment and dining options are more limited compared to nearby Indianapolis or Chicago.
Property tax rates in certain expanding school districts can offset some overall cost of living savings.
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.
Lafayette
#156Indiana, USA
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,150
Avg Salary
$61,000
Cost Index
89
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
48.0/100
Walkability
55.0/100
Sunny Days
251/yr
Avg Temp
53.80°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
75
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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