City Comparison
Springfield vs Syracuse
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Syracuse scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Springfield
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Springfield is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
19% lower than in Syracuse.
Housing costs are a major driver: Springfield's average rent is
22% lower than Syracuse's.
| Metric | Springfield | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,200 | $1,546 | -22% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $180 | $327 | -45% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $150 | +47% |
| Monthly Total | $2,110 | $2,593 | -19% |
| Cost Index | 93 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Springfield offers 18% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Springfield delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Springfield is estimated at
$52,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Springfield | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $69,000 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 74,194 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $66,064 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Springfield runs warmer on average — a 55.3°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Springfield comes out ahead with 265 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Springfield sees 20.4 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Springfield | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 55.30°F | °F |
| Summer High | 84.80°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 20.60°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 30.10 in | in |
| Snowfall | 20.40 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 265 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
For walkability, Syracuse leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Springfield | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 45.0/100 | 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 0.8x the population of Springfield.
From a growth perspective, Syracuse is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Springfield has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Springfield | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,989 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | — | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 41.0 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 5.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Springfield
Advantages
Median home values in Springfield are roughly 51% below the national average per U.S. Census Bureau data.
The cost of living sits approximately 7.3% below the national average according to BEA regional price parities.
Springfield offers an average commute time of roughly 20 minutes, significantly shorter than the national average.
The city boasts top-tier regional healthcare facilities, serving as a major medical hub for central Illinois.
Rich historical heritage centered around Abraham Lincoln provides unique cultural tourism and educational assets.
Drawbacks
The city has experienced slight population contractions over recent census estimates due to regional migration patterns.
Certain urban core neighborhoods experience elevated property crime rates relative to suburban boundaries.
Public transit options outside of core bus routes are limited, maintaining a high reliance on personal vehicles.
State-level budget shifts and local tax structures can create periodic fiscal pressures for municipal services.
Winters can bring harsh freezing temperatures and snowfall, requiring active property and roadway maintenance.
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.
Springfield
#390Illinois, USA
58.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,200
Avg Salary
$69,000
Cost Index
93
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
45.0/100
Walkability
52.0/100
Sunny Days
265/yr
Avg Temp
55.30°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
75
Business
67
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
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Springfield and Syracuse.
Open Cost Calculator