Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Alexandria is 114% more expensive than Syracuse.

$2,031/mo ↑ 104%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 51%
$113,638/yr ↑ 148%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 60%
$696,800 ↑ 457%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 82%
$2,173/mo ↑ 122%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 55%
156,788
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
10.9%
5.3%
Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,033/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $12,396/year.

Median household income is $67,793/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Alexandria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Alexandria or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Syracuse?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $1,033/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Syracuse?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $67,793/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and New York?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with rent of $998/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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