City Comparison
Savannah vs Syracuse
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Savannah scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Savannah
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
| Metric | Savannah | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,650 | $1,546 | +7% |
| Groceries | $420 | $450 | -7% |
| Utilities | $175 | $327 | -46% |
| Transport | $115 | $120 | -4% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $150 | +60% |
| Monthly Total | $2,600 | $2,593 | 0% |
| Cost Index | 96 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Savannah offers 4% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Savannah delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Savannah is estimated at
$52,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Savannah | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $61,000 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 63,542 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $62,450 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Savannah runs warmer on average — a 67.9°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Savannah comes out ahead with 241 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Savannah sees 6.8 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Savannah | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 67.90°F | °F |
| Summer High | 88.80°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 42.50°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 48.70 in | in |
| Snowfall | 6.80 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 241 | |
| Humidity | 74.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Syracuse has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Savannah.
Syracuse scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Savannah leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Savannah | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 68.0/100 | 57.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 48.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Syracuse is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Savannah is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Savannah has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Savannah | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 147,088 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.10% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 32.6 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 3.40% | 5.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Savannah
Advantages
Home to one of the largest and fastest-growing container port complexes in the United States, driving robust regional logistics employment.
Stunning, preserved historic architecture and 22 iconic public squares providing unmatched aesthetic charm.
Proximity to coastal beaches like Tybee Island, just a 20-minute drive from the city center.
A thriving arts and design ecosystem anchored by the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).
Cost of living that remains slightly below the U.S. national average, particularly outside the immediate historic core.
Drawbacks
Summer temperatures and high humidity levels can be intense and oppressive for several months.
Vulnerability to Atlantic tropical storms and hurricane season weather events.
Rising housing costs and short-term vacation rental conversions putting pressure on long-term local renters.
Pocketed property and violent crime rates in certain inner-city neighborhoods above national norms.
Limited heavy rail commuter transit options, making personal vehicle ownership virtually essential for suburban commutes.
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.
Savannah
#308Georgia, USA
61.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,650
Avg Salary
$61,000
Cost Index
96
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
68.0/100
Sunny Days
241/yr
Avg Temp
67.90°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
3.40%
Livability
76
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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