City Comparison
Seattle vs Syracuse
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Syracuse scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Seattle
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Syracuse is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
24% lower than in Seattle.
Housing costs are a major driver: Seattle's average rent is
46% higher than Syracuse's.
| Metric | Seattle | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,250 | $1,546 | +46% |
| Groceries | $520 | $450 | +16% |
| Utilities | $210 | $327 | -36% |
| Transport | $140 | $120 | +17% |
| Healthcare | $290 | $150 | +93% |
| Monthly Total | $3,410 | $2,593 | +32% |
| Cost Index | 152 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Seattle offers 67% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Seattle delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Seattle is estimated at
$82,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Seattle | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $98,000 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $82,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 64,474 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $115,000 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Seattle runs warmer on average — a 54.4°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Seattle comes out ahead with 238 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Seattle sees 8.8 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Seattle | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 54.40°F | °F |
| Summer High | 76.10°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 38.10°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 40.80 in | in |
| Snowfall | 8.80 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 238 | |
| Humidity | 74.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Syracuse has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,000 minutes (83 hours) per year compared to Seattle.
Seattle scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Seattle leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Seattle | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 70.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 73.0/100 | 57.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 62.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Seattle is the larger city
— approximately 5.3x the population of Syracuse.
From a growth perspective, Seattle is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Seattle has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Seattle | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 783,155 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.90% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 35.8 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 3.80% | 5.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Seattle
Advantages
Thriving job market anchored by global tech, aerospace, and biotech leaders
Unmatched access to outdoor recreation including mountains, forests, and marine waters
High median household income well above the national average
Vibrant culinary, coffee, and craft beverage culture
Progressive, highly educated, and culturally active community
Drawbacks
Significantly higher cost of living and housing expenses compared to the U.S. average
Frequent overcast skies and high annual rainfall during the winter months
Persistent traffic congestion during peak commuting hours
Urban property crime and public safety challenges in specific downtown sectors
High barrier to entry for prospective first-time home buyers
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.
Seattle
#513Washington, USA
51.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,250
Avg Salary
$98,000
Cost Index
152
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
70.0/100
Walkability
73.0/100
Sunny Days
238/yr
Avg Temp
54.40°F
Pop. Growth
0.90%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
84
Business
85
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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