Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Chicago is 69% more expensive than Syracuse.

$1,380/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 28%
$75,134/yr ↑ 64%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 39%
$315,200 ↑ 152%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 60%
$1,502/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 35%
2,707,648
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
10.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $382/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $4,584/year.

Median household income is $29,289/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Chicago slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Chicago or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Syracuse?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $382/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Syracuse?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $29,289/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and New York?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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.
View Chicago details → View Syracuse details →

More Comparisons

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