City Comparison
Roswell vs Syracuse
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Roswell scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Roswell
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Syracuse is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
4% lower than in Roswell.
Housing costs are a major driver: Roswell's average rent is
13% higher than Syracuse's.
| Metric | Roswell | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,750 | $1,546 | +13% |
| Groceries | $420 | $450 | -7% |
| Utilities | $175 | $327 | -46% |
| Transport | $130 | $120 | +8% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $150 | +53% |
| Monthly Total | $2,705 | $2,593 | +4% |
| Cost Index | 112 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Roswell offers 33% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Roswell delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Roswell is estimated at
$62,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Roswell | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $78,000 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $62,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 69,643 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $105,432 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Roswell runs warmer on average — a 62.2°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Roswell comes out ahead with 236 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Roswell sees 3.7 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Roswell | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 62.20°F | °F |
| Summer High | 86.70°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 34.80°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 46.90 in | in |
| Snowfall | 3.70 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 236 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Syracuse has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,000 minutes (83 hours) per year compared to Roswell.
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 | Roswell | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 52.0/100 | 57.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 54.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Syracuse is the larger city
— approximately 0.6x the population of Roswell.
From a growth perspective, Roswell is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Roswell has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Roswell | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 92,835 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 40.2 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 3.20% | 5.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Roswell
Advantages
Consistently ranked among the safest cities in Georgia with crime rates well below the national average.
Exceptional public school system operated by the Fulton County School District.
Vibrant historic downtown and Canton Street offering renowned dining, shopping, and community events.
Abundant outdoor recreation access, including the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area and extensive trail systems.
Strong local economy with low unemployment and robust median household incomes.
Drawbacks
Cost of living and housing prices are significantly higher than the U.S. and Georgia state averages.
High car dependency with limited public mass transit options within the city limits.
Peak-hour traffic congestion along major thoroughfares like Holcomb Bridge Road and GA-400.
Competitive real estate market makes finding affordable housing challenging for first-time buyers.
Property taxes in Fulton County can place a heavier financial burden on homeowners.
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.
Roswell
#138Georgia, USA
65.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,750
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
112
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
52.0/100
Sunny Days
236/yr
Avg Temp
62.20°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
84
Business
76
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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