City Comparison
South Bend vs Syracuse
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Syracuse scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
South Bend
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
South Bend is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
23% lower than in Syracuse.
Housing costs are a major driver: South Bend's average rent is
29% lower than Syracuse's.
| Metric | South Bend | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,100 | $1,546 | -29% |
| Groceries | $380 | $450 | -16% |
| Utilities | $175 | $327 | -46% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $150 | +53% |
| Monthly Total | $1,995 | $2,593 | -23% |
| Cost Index | 87 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Syracuse offers 4% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, South Bend delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in South Bend is estimated at
$48,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | South Bend | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $56,000 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $48,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 64,368 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $54,200 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
South Bend runs warmer on average — a 51.5°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, South Bend comes out ahead with 240 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — South Bend sees 42.5 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | South Bend | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 51.50°F | °F |
| Summer High | 82.90°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 19.10°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 36.10 in | in |
| Snowfall | 42.50 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 240 | |
| Humidity | 70.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
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 | South Bend | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 32.0/100 | 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 0.7x the population of South Bend.
From a growth perspective, Syracuse is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, South Bend has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | South Bend | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 103,450 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.40% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 35.4 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 4.20% | 5.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
South Bend
Advantages
Median home prices in South Bend remain significantly below the national average per recent US Census and Zillow data.
The presence of the University of Notre Dame brings world-class cultural, athletic, and educational events to the local community.
Revitalized downtown public spaces and riverfront paths offer excellent recreational opportunities for residents.
A strategic location provides convenient access to Chicago via highway, rail, and the South Bend International Airport.
Low traffic congestion and manageable commutes compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Drawbacks
Below-average median household incomes compared to national benchmarks.
Property tax rates and localized winter heating utility costs can add financial pressure during colder months.
Public transit walkability is limited outside of the immediate downtown and university cores.
Certain neighborhoods experience above-average property and property-related crime rates.
Heavy winter snowfall and prolonged cloud cover during late fall and winter 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.
South Bend
#405Indiana, USA
58.2 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,100
Avg Salary
$56,000
Cost Index
87
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
32.0/100
Walkability
42.0/100
Sunny Days
240/yr
Avg Temp
51.50°F
Pop. Growth
0.40%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
73
Business
69
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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