Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Raleigh is 86% more expensive than Syracuse.

$1,468/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 32%
$82,424/yr ↑ 80%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 44%
$377,800 ↑ 202%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 67%
$1,487/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 34%
470,763
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
10.9%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $470/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $5,640/year.

Median household income is $36,579/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Raleigh or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Syracuse?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $470/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Syracuse?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $36,579/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and New York?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Syracuse details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Raleigh and Syracuse

Raleigh vs. Colorado Springs Raleigh vs. Long Beach Raleigh vs. Omaha Raleigh vs. Virginia Beach Raleigh vs. Atlanta Raleigh vs. Miami Syracuse vs. Denton Syracuse vs. McAllen Syracuse vs. Savannah Syracuse vs. Olathe Syracuse vs. Rockford Syracuse vs. Gainesville