Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Columbus is 41% more expensive than Syracuse.

$1,224/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 18%
$65,327/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 30%
$234,500 ↑ 87%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 47%
$1,243/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 21%
906,480
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
10.9%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $226/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $2,712/year.

Median household income is $19,482/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Columbus slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Columbus or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Syracuse?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $226/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Syracuse?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $19,482/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and New York?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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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