City Comparison
Vancouver vs Syracuse
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Syracuse scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Vancouver
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Syracuse is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
7% lower than in Vancouver.
Housing costs are a major driver: Vancouver's average rent is
13% higher than Syracuse's.
| Metric | Vancouver | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,750 | $1,546 | +13% |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Utilities | $190 | $327 | -42% |
| Transport | $130 | $120 | +8% |
| Healthcare | $260 | $150 | +73% |
| Monthly Total | $2,780 | $2,593 | +7% |
| Cost Index | 108 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Vancouver offers 16% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Vancouver delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Vancouver is estimated at
$58,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Vancouver | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $68,000 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $58,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 62,963 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $78,000 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Vancouver runs warmer on average — a 55.6°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Vancouver comes out ahead with 243 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Vancouver sees 8.2 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Vancouver | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 55.60°F | °F |
| Summer High | 80.90°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 37.00°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 50.60 in | in |
| Snowfall | 8.20 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 243 | |
| Humidity | 72.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Syracuse has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,000 minutes (67 hours) per year compared to Vancouver.
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 | Vancouver | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 26 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 44.0/100 | 57.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 52.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Vancouver is the larger city
— approximately 1.3x the population of Syracuse.
From a growth perspective, Vancouver is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Vancouver has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Vancouver | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,000 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.40% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 37.5 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 4.50% | 5.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Vancouver
Advantages
No Washington state personal income tax, providing significant financial savings for residents.
Thriving waterfront district featuring award-winning dining, parks, and community spaces.
Proximity to Portland, Oregon, offering easy access to major metropolitan amenities and arts.
Abundant outdoor recreation opportunities including the Columbia River and nearby Cascade Mountains.
Strong job market growth in healthcare, technology, and manufacturing sectors.
Drawbacks
Significant traffic congestion during peak commuting hours across the I-5 and I-205 bridges.
Rising housing and rental costs driven by high regional demand and population growth.
Moderate public transit and walkability scores outside the immediate downtown core.
Higher-than-average sales tax rates compared to some neighboring states.
Overcast and rainy weather conditions during the extended autumn and winter seasons.
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.
Vancouver
#362Washington, USA
59.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,750
Avg Salary
$68,000
Cost Index
108
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
44.0/100
Sunny Days
243/yr
Avg Temp
55.60°F
Pop. Growth
1.40%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
76
Business
71
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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