Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Boston is 198% more expensive than Syracuse.

$2,093/mo ↑ 110%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 52%
$94,755/yr ↑ 107%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 52%
$710,400 ↑ 468%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 82%
$2,176/mo ↑ 122%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 55%
663,972
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
10.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,095/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $13,140/year.

Median household income is $48,910/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Boston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Boston or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Syracuse?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $1,095/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Syracuse?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $48,910/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and New York?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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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