City Comparison
Powell vs Syracuse
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Powell scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Powell
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Powell is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
29% lower than in Syracuse.
Housing costs are a major driver: Powell's average rent is
39% lower than Syracuse's.
| Metric | Powell | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $950 | $1,546 | -39% |
| Groceries | $380 | $450 | -16% |
| Utilities | $170 | $327 | -48% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $150 | +47% |
| Monthly Total | $1,830 | $2,593 | -29% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Syracuse offers 11% 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 Powell is estimated at
$45,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Powell | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $52,000 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 56,522 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $58,500 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Powell runs warmer on average — a 46.9°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Powell comes out ahead with 294 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Powell sees 33.2 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Powell | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 46.90°F | °F |
| Summer High | 82.60°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 12.10°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 14.00 in | in |
| Snowfall | 33.20 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 294 | |
| Humidity | 50.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Powell has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Syracuse.
Syracuse scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Powell leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Powell | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 14 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 57.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 22.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Syracuse is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Powell is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Powell has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Powell | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 6,489 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.80% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 36.5 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 3.50% | 5.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Powell
Advantages
Violent and property crime rates are significantly lower than the U.S. national average per FBI crime data.
Median home prices and overall cost of living remain below the national average per US Census Bureau metrics.
Proximity to Yellowstone National Forest provides world-class outdoor recreation including hunting, fishing, and hiking.
Strong local educational framework anchored by Northwest College and dedicated public school districts.
Welcoming small-town community atmosphere with active local events and low traffic congestion.
Drawbacks
Limited local public transit options necessitate high car dependency for daily needs.
Geographic isolation means specialized shopping, major airports, and advanced medical centers require driving to larger cities.
Winter weather brings harsh freezing temperatures and occasional heavy snowfall that can impact travel.
Limited high-paying corporate job sectors within city limits compared to larger metropolitan economies.
Housing inventory can occasionally be constrained for prospective buyers and renters.
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.
Powell
#90Wyoming, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$52,000
Cost Index
92
Commute
14 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
294/yr
Avg Temp
46.90°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
3.50%
Livability
78
Business
67
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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