City Comparison
Prescott vs Syracuse
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Prescott scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Prescott
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Syracuse is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
5% lower than in Prescott.
Housing costs are a major driver: Prescott's average rent is
16% higher than Syracuse's.
| Metric | Prescott | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,800 | $1,546 | +16% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $180 | $327 | -45% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $150 | +53% |
| Monthly Total | $2,730 | $2,593 | +5% |
| Cost Index | 104 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Syracuse offers 1% 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 Prescott is estimated at
$52,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Prescott | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,000 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 55,769 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $70,874 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Prescott runs warmer on average — a 59.2°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Prescott comes out ahead with 297 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Prescott sees 24 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Prescott | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 59.20°F | °F |
| Summer High | 87.20°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 35.20°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 15.60 in | in |
| Snowfall | 24.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 297 | |
| Humidity | 45.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Syracuse has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Prescott.
Syracuse scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Prescott leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Prescott | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 24 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 57.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Syracuse is the larger city
— approximately 0.3x the population of Prescott.
From a growth perspective, Prescott is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Prescott has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Prescott | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 48,945 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.10% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 59.7 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 4.80% | 5.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Prescott
Advantages
Median household income in Prescott stands at $70,874, reflecting solid middle-class economic stability per U.S. Census data.
Average rent hovers around $1,800 per month, offering competitive leasing options compared to major Arizona metros.
Prescott enjoys an exceptional climate featuring 297 sunny days per year and refreshing four-season mountain weather.
Abundant outdoor recreation assets include over 450 miles of trails and scenic lakes like Watson Lake.
Crime rates remain significantly lower than the national average, ensuring a secure environment.
Drawbacks
Median property values have risen sharply to over $564,000, creating housing affordability hurdles for first-time buyers.
Local public transit infrastructure is limited, making vehicle ownership an absolute necessity for daily life.
The local economy relies heavily on seasonal tourism and hospitality, which can create employment fluctuation.
Average wages in several local sectors lag behind statewide and national compensation benchmarks.
Higher median age can limit certain types of fast-paced urban nightlife and entertainment venues.
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.
Prescott
#301Arizona, USA
61.1 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$58,000
Cost Index
104
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
297/yr
Avg Temp
59.20°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
4.80%
Livability
80
Business
68
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
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Prescott and Syracuse.
Open Cost Calculator