Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Houston is 49% more expensive than Syracuse.

$1,313/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 24%
$62,894/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 27%
$253,400 ↑ 103%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 51%
$1,316/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 26%
2,300,419
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
10.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $315/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $3,780/year.

Median household income is $17,049/year higher in Houston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Houston residents a significant tax advantage over New York's 10.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Houston or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Syracuse?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $315/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Syracuse?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $17,049/year higher in Houston.
How do taxes compare between Texas and New York?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Houston or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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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More Comparisons

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