City Comparison
Pukekohe vs Syracuse
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Pukekohe scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Pukekohe
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Pukekohe is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
40% lower than in Syracuse.
Housing costs are a major driver: Pukekohe's average rent is
58% lower than Syracuse's.
| Metric | Pukekohe | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $650 | $1,546 | -58% |
| Groceries | $420 | $450 | -7% |
| Utilities | $190 | $327 | -42% |
| Transport | $150 | $120 | +25% |
| Healthcare | $140 | $150 | -7% |
| Monthly Total | $1,550 | $2,593 | -40% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Syracuse offers 1% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Pukekohe delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Pukekohe is estimated at
$52,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Pukekohe | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,000 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 63,043 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $62,700 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Pukekohe runs warmer on average — a 59.5°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Pukekohe comes out ahead with 202 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Pukekohe sees 0 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Pukekohe | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 59.50°F | °F |
| Summer High | 57.70°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 59.10°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 64.80 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 202 | |
| Humidity | 74.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Syracuse has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
8,500 minutes (142 hours) per year compared to Pukekohe.
Pukekohe scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Pukekohe leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Pukekohe | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 35 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 48.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 62.0/100 | 57.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 52.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Syracuse is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x the population of Pukekohe.
From a growth perspective, Pukekohe is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
| Metric | Pukekohe | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 28,800 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.50% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 36.0 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 5.10% | 5.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Pukekohe
Advantages
Median weekly rents and housing options remain more accessible than central Auckland equivalents.
Strong community spirit with rich cultural diversity rooted in long-standing local communities.
Abundant local green spaces, parks, and close proximity to west coast surf beaches and the Waikato River.
Active local job market driven by thriving primary horticulture, construction, and commercial sectors.
Family-friendly environment featuring reputable local schools and extensive sports recreation facilities.
Drawbacks
High car dependency for daily errands and outlying residential subdivisions.
Peak-hour traffic congestion on arterial routes connecting to State Highway 1 and metropolitan Auckland.
Limited high-end nightlife and entertainment options compared to core Auckland urban centers.
Infrastructure strain from rapid population expansion and edge-subdivision development.
Reliance on outer regional facilities for specialized tertiary healthcare and major hospital services.
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.
Pukekohe
#22Auckland, New Zealand
66.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$650
Avg Salary
$58,000
Cost Index
92
Commute
35 min
Transit Score
48.0/100
Walkability
62.0/100
Sunny Days
202/yr
Avg Temp
59.50°F
Pop. Growth
2.50%
Unemployment
5.10%
Livability
77
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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