City Comparison
Post Falls vs Syracuse
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Post Falls scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Post Falls
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Post Falls is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
4% lower than in Syracuse.
| Metric | Post Falls | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,550 | $1,546 | 0% |
| Groceries | $410 | $450 | -9% |
| Utilities | $175 | $327 | -46% |
| Transport | $115 | $120 | -4% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $150 | +53% |
| Monthly Total | $2,480 | $2,593 | -4% |
| Cost Index | 98 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Post Falls offers 4% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Post Falls delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Post Falls is estimated at
$52,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Post Falls | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $61,000 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 62,245 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $69,000 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Post Falls runs warmer on average — a 49.3°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Post Falls comes out ahead with 251 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Post Falls sees 43.3 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Post Falls | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 49.30°F | °F |
| Summer High | 80.90°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 21.80°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 27.80 in | in |
| Snowfall | 43.30 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 251 | |
| Humidity | 62.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Syracuse has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Post Falls.
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 | Post Falls | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 23 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 45.0/100 | 57.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 44.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Syracuse is the larger city
— approximately 0.3x the population of Post Falls.
From a growth perspective, Post Falls is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Post Falls has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Post Falls | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 41,500 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | 3.10% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 36.8 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 3.80% | 5.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Post Falls
Advantages
Median home prices in Kootenai County remain more affordable than nearby coastal markets in Washington and Oregon per Zillow data.
Enjoyable climate featuring 251 sunny days per year and abundant access to outdoor recreation along the Spokane River.
Business-friendly regulatory environment supporting robust local job growth and small business creation.
Violent crime rates consistently sit below the national average, contributing to a secure community environment.
Convenient access via Interstate 90 to larger metropolitan amenities in Spokane, Washington, and Coeur d'Alene.
Drawbacks
Rapid population growth has put significant upward pressure on local housing and rental prices.
High car dependency with limited public transit infrastructure across sprawling suburban neighborhoods.
Average local wages lag behind the rapid appreciation in housing costs, creating affordability strains.
Inversion layers in the winter can trap cold air and wood smoke in the valley.
Increasing traffic congestion along major thoroughfares and Interstate 90 during peak commuting hours.
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.
Post Falls
#84Idaho, USA
68.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,550
Avg Salary
$61,000
Cost Index
98
Commute
23 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
45.0/100
Sunny Days
251/yr
Avg Temp
49.30°F
Pop. Growth
3.10%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
77
Business
72
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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