Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Providence is 68% more expensive than Syracuse.

$1,333/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 25%
$66,772/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 31%
$322,800 ↑ 158%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 61%
$1,467/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 33%
190,214
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
10.9%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $335/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $4,020/year.

Median household income is $20,927/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

Rhode Island has a lower income tax rate, making Providence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Providence or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Syracuse?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $335/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Syracuse?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $20,927/year higher in Providence.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and New York?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% 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 Providence or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/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 Providence details → View Syracuse details →

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