City Comparison
Radcliff vs Syracuse
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Radcliff scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Radcliff
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Radcliff is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
22% lower than in Syracuse.
Housing costs are a major driver: Radcliff's average rent is
26% lower than Syracuse's.
| Metric | Radcliff | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,150 | $1,546 | -26% |
| Groceries | $380 | $450 | -16% |
| Utilities | $165 | $327 | -50% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $150 | +47% |
| Monthly Total | $2,025 | $2,593 | -22% |
| Cost Index | 88 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Syracuse offers 4% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Radcliff delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Radcliff is estimated at
$48,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Radcliff | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $56,000 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $48,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 63,636 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $54,000 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Radcliff runs warmer on average — a 57.5°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Radcliff comes out ahead with 232 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Radcliff sees 17.2 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Radcliff | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 57.50°F | °F |
| Summer High | 85.30°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 26.90°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 60.20 in | in |
| Snowfall | 17.20 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 232 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Syracuse has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Radcliff.
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 | Radcliff | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 42.0/100 | 57.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Syracuse is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x the population of Radcliff.
From a growth perspective, Radcliff is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Radcliff has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Radcliff | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 23,000 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.80% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 34.0 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 4.30% | 5.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Radcliff
Advantages
Affordable cost of living with housing expenses significantly below the national average per Zillow and local housing data.
Close proximity to Fort Knox provides a stable economic baseline and employment opportunities in defense and civil service.
Family-friendly suburban environment with low crime rates and active community engagement.
Abundant natural recreation areas nearby, including Saunders Springs Nature Preserve and Otter Creek.
Favorable commute times and easy access to the broader Louisville metropolitan amenities.
Drawbacks
High car dependency with limited public mass transit infrastructure within the city limits.
Local retail and entertainment options are somewhat limited, requiring trips to Elizabethtown or Louisville for major shopping.
Transitory population due to military deployment rotations can occasionally impact community continuity.
Humid subtropical climate brings high summer temperatures and humidity levels.
Average local salaries lag slightly behind major metropolitan hubs.
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.
Radcliff
#311Kentucky, USA
61.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,150
Avg Salary
$56,000
Cost Index
88
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
42.0/100
Sunny Days
232/yr
Avg Temp
57.50°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
72
Business
65
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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