Performance
Score Breakdown
North Charleston
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Syracuse is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
11% higher compared to North Charleston.
Housing costs are a major driver: North Charleston's average rent is
21% higher than Syracuse's.
| Metric | North Charleston | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,870 | $1,546 | +21% |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Utilities | $180 | $327 | -45% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $150 | +67% |
| Monthly Total | $2,870 | $2,593 | +11% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
North Charleston offers 11% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, North Charleston delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in North Charleston is estimated at
$55,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | North Charleston | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,000 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 68,421 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $62,956 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | North Charleston | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Syracuse has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,500 minutes (58 hours) per year compared to North Charleston.
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 | North Charleston | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 26.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Walkability | 39.0/10 | 57.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Syracuse is the larger city
— approximately 0.9x the population of North Charleston.
From a growth perspective, North Charleston is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, North Charleston has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | North Charleston | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 131,980 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.12% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 34.6 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 3.30% | 5.10% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
North Charleston
Advantages
More affordable housing and cost of living compared to downtown Charleston.
Growing job market with diverse industries like aerospace, manufacturing, and healthcare.
Strategic location with excellent access to major transportation routes and the Port of Charleston.
Good quality of life with a variety of amenities, entertainment, and recreational opportunities.
Slight moderation in price growth in the housing market, leading to a more balanced environment for buyers.
Drawbacks
Higher crime rates compared to the South Carolina and national averages.
Car-dependent transportation system with lower walkability and transit scores.
Wages have not kept pace with the rapid increase in rental costs in some areas.
While stabilizing, the housing market has seen significant price appreciation in recent years.
Some population groups face greater challenges accessing employment within the city.
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.
North Charleston
#28South Carolina, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,870
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
95
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
26.0/10
Walkability
39.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.12%
Unemployment
3.30%
Livability
74
Business
68
Syracuse
#72New York, USA
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,546
Avg Salary
$58,525
Cost Index
103
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
57.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
5.10%
Livability
70
Business
70
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