City Comparison
Seaford vs Syracuse
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Syracuse scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Seaford
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Seaford is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
14% lower than in Syracuse.
Housing costs are a major driver: Seaford's average rent is
13% lower than Syracuse's.
| Metric | Seaford | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,350 | $1,546 | -13% |
| Groceries | $380 | $450 | -16% |
| Utilities | $165 | $327 | -50% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $150 | +47% |
| Monthly Total | $2,225 | $2,593 | -14% |
| Cost Index | 94 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Syracuse offers 11% 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 Seaford is estimated at
$48,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Seaford | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $52,000 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $48,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 55,319 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $55,000 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Seaford runs warmer on average — a 57°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Seaford comes out ahead with 252 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Seaford sees 19.7 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Seaford | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 57.00°F | °F |
| Summer High | 82.70°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 28.00°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 49.00 in | in |
| Snowfall | 19.70 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 252 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Syracuse has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Seaford.
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 | Seaford | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 24 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 52.0/100 | 57.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Syracuse is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Seaford.
From a growth perspective, Seaford is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Seaford has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Seaford | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,450 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.10% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 39.2 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 4.80% | 5.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Seaford
Advantages
Median home prices and rent are significantly more affordable than Delaware's coastal beach communities
Home to TidalHealth Nanticoke, providing robust local healthcare access and employment
Scenic location along the Nanticoke River with excellent opportunities for boating and fishing
Low Delaware property taxes help reduce the ongoing cost of homeownership
Strategic central location along U.S. Route 13 with easy access to regional hubs
Drawbacks
High car dependency due to limited public transportation infrastructure outside the downtown core
Property crime rates in certain areas are higher than the national average for small towns
Average local salaries lag behind the national GDP per capita benchmarks
Limited high-end dining and nightlife options within city limits
Summer humidity can be intense during peak months
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.
Seaford
#415Delaware, USA
57.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,350
Avg Salary
$52,000
Cost Index
94
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
52.0/100
Sunny Days
252/yr
Avg Temp
57.00°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
4.80%
Livability
70
Business
64
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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