City Comparison
Newport vs Syracuse
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Syracuse scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Newport
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Syracuse is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
29% lower than in Newport.
Housing costs are a major driver: Newport's average rent is
62% higher than Syracuse's.
| Metric | Newport | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,500 | $1,546 | +62% |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Utilities | $342 | $327 | +4% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $150 | +67% |
| Monthly Total | $3,662 | $2,593 | +41% |
| Cost Index | 130 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Syracuse offers 3% 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 Newport is estimated at
$80,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Newport | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $56,585 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $80,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 43,527 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $86,313 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Newport runs warmer on average — a 51.9°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Newport comes out ahead with 261 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Newport sees 20.9 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Newport | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 51.90°F | °F |
| Summer High | 72.80°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 27.40°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 41.40 in | in |
| Snowfall | 20.90 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 261 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Syracuse scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Newport leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Newport | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 19 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 40.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 65.0/100 | 57.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Syracuse is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x the population of Newport.
From a growth perspective, Syracuse is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Newport has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Newport | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 24,874 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | — | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 37.2 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 3.10% | 5.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Newport
Advantages
Newport's total crime rate is 21% lower than the national average as of 2024.
The average commute time in Newport is 18.9 minutes, shorter than the national average.
The 'Ocean economy' in the Greater Newport region experienced a 27% growth from 2014 to 2024.
Newport's residents have a higher percentage of Bachelor's degrees or higher compared to the state and national averages.
The city offers a vibrant cultural scene and numerous outdoor activities, particularly water sports and historical attractions.
Drawbacks
The median property value in Newport was $746,900 in 2024, significantly higher than the national average.
Newport County experienced a population decrease of 0.37% between 2024 and 2025, primarily due to domestic migration.
The homeownership rate in Newport is 49.8%, which is lower than the national average.
Newport has a higher average monthly utility cost compared to other cities in Rhode Island.
Larceny/theft was noted as a concern in Newport's property crime rate in late 2023.
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.
Newport
#547Rhode Island, USA
48.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,500
Avg Salary
$56,585
Cost Index
130
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
40.0/100
Walkability
65.0/100
Sunny Days
261/yr
Avg Temp
51.90°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.10%
Livability
82
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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