Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Atlanta is 107% more expensive than Syracuse.

$1,617/mo ↑ 62%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 38%
$81,938/yr ↑ 79%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 44%
$420,600 ↑ 236%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 70%
$1,695/mo ↑ 73%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 42%
499,287
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
10.9%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $619/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $7,428/year.

Median household income is $36,093/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Atlanta slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Atlanta or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Syracuse?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $619/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Syracuse?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $36,093/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and New York?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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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