Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Newark is 69% more expensive than Syracuse.

$1,330/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 25%
$48,416/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 5%
$337,800 ↑ 170%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 63%
$1,419/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 31%
307,188
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
10.9%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $332/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $3,984/year.

Median household income is $2,571/year higher in Newark. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

New Jersey has a lower income tax rate, making Newark slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Newark 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 Newark and Syracuse?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $332/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Syracuse?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $2,571/year higher in Newark.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and New York?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Syracuse details →

More Comparisons

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