Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Philadelphia is 44% more expensive than Syracuse.

$1,323/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 25%
$60,698/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 24%
$232,400 ↑ 86%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 46%
$1,233/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 21%
1,582,432
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
10.9%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $325/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $3,900/year.

Median household income is $14,853/year higher in Philadelphia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Syracuse?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $325/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Syracuse?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $14,853/year higher in Philadelphia.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and New York?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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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