City Comparison
Milan vs Syracuse
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Syracuse scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Milan
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Syracuse is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
12% lower than in Milan.
Housing costs are a major driver: Milan's average rent is
26% higher than Syracuse's.
| Metric | Milan | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,950 | $1,546 | +26% |
| Groceries | $480 | $450 | +7% |
| Utilities | $210 | $327 | -36% |
| Transport | $95 | $120 | -21% |
| Healthcare | $200 | $150 | +33% |
| Monthly Total | $2,935 | $2,593 | +13% |
| Cost Index | 110 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Syracuse offers 25% 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 Milan is estimated at
$42,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Milan | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $44,000 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $42,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 40,000 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $38,000 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Milan runs warmer on average — a 59°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Milan comes out ahead with 229 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Milan sees 6.2 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Milan | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 59.00°F | °F |
| Summer High | 85.70°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 37.70°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 61.60 in | in |
| Snowfall | 6.20 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 229 | |
| Humidity | 70.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Syracuse has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
8,000 minutes (133 hours) per year compared to Milan.
Milan scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Milan leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Milan | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 34 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 88.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 82.0/100 | 57.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 58.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Low | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Milan is the larger city
— approximately 9.3x the population of Syracuse.
From a growth perspective, Milan is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Syracuse has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Milan | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,371,498 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.60% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 44.0 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 5.20% | 5.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Milan
Advantages
Milan serves as Italy's primary economic engine, offering the highest concentration of corporate headquarters and career opportunities in the country.
The public transportation network is extensive, reliable, and affordable, reducing the need for personal vehicle ownership.
The city is a global epicentre for fashion, design, art, and culinary excellence, providing a vibrant cultural calendar year-round.
Proximity to the Italian Lakes and the Alps allows for easy weekend escapes into nature and outdoor recreation.
Prestigious universities and research institutions attract a highly educated, international, and youthful demographic.
Drawbacks
Housing costs and rental prices are among the highest in Italy, creating significant affordability hurdles for newcomers.
Air quality in the Po Valley basin frequently suffers from high pollution levels and smog during winter months.
The fast-paced lifestyle and competitive corporate culture can lead to high stress levels among residents.
Bureaucratic hurdles in administrative processes can slow down official paperwork and residency registrations.
Tourist congestion in central historic districts can make daily navigation crowded during peak seasons.
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.
Milan
#133Lombardy, Italy
51.2 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,950
Avg Salary
$44,000
Cost Index
110
Commute
34 min
Transit Score
88.0/100
Walkability
82.0/100
Sunny Days
229/yr
Avg Temp
59.00°F
Pop. Growth
0.60%
Unemployment
5.20%
Livability
76
Business
85
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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