City Comparison
Wellington vs Syracuse
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Wellington scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Wellington
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 Wellington.
Housing costs are a major driver: Wellington's average rent is
16% higher than Syracuse's.
| Metric | Wellington | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,800 | $1,546 | +16% |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Utilities | $180 | $327 | -45% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $150 | +67% |
| Monthly Total | $2,800 | $2,593 | +8% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Wellington offers 11% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Wellington delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Wellington is estimated at
$55,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Wellington | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,000 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 68,421 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $62,000 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Wellington runs warmer on average — a 57.1°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Wellington comes out ahead with 232 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Wellington sees 0.5 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Wellington | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 57.10°F | °F |
| Summer High | 54.30°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 57.40°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 41.80 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.50 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 232 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Syracuse has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,000 minutes (83 hours) per year compared to Wellington.
Wellington scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Wellington leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Wellington | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 60.0/100 | 57.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Wellington is the larger city
— approximately 1.4x the population of Syracuse.
From a growth perspective, Wellington is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Wellington has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Wellington | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 210,800 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.20% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 34.9 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 5.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Wellington
Advantages
Wellington is recognized as one of the world's most livable cities, often ranking highly in global livability indices.
The city boasts a strong and diverse economy, with a focus on knowledge-intensive industries and a growing tech sector.
Wellington offers excellent walkability and a robust public transportation network, reducing reliance on private vehicles.
The city has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, galleries, theaters, and a renowned culinary landscape.
Wellington's natural beauty, with its harbor and surrounding hills, provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and a high quality of life.
Drawbacks
Wellington is known for its strong winds, earning it the nickname 'Windy Wellington'.
The cost of living, particularly housing and rent, can be high due to geographical constraints and demand.
While public transport is good, car lanes and traffic congestion can still be an issue in certain areas.
The public sector, a major employer, has experienced job losses in 2024, potentially impacting the job market.
New Zealand's economy, including Wellington's, has faced challenges such as inflation and interest rate hikes.
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.
Wellington
#41Wellington, New Zealand
61.1 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
95
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/100
Walkability
60.0/100
Sunny Days
232/yr
Avg Temp
57.10°F
Pop. Growth
1.20%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
74
Business
68
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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