Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Phoenix is 85% more expensive than Syracuse.

$1,458/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 32%
$77,041/yr ↑ 68%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 40%
$381,900 ↑ 205%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 67%
$1,430/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 31%
1,624,832
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
10.9%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $460/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $5,520/year.

Median household income is $31,196/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Phoenix slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Phoenix or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Syracuse?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $460/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Syracuse?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $31,196/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and New York?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Syracuse details →

More Comparisons

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