Cost of Living: Richmond, VA vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Richmond is 66% more expensive than Syracuse.

$1,314/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 24%
$62,671/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 27%
$328,100 ↑ 162%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 62%
$1,374/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 29%
227,595
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
10.9%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $316/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $3,792/year.

Median household income is $16,826/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Richmond slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Richmond or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 98 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Syracuse?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $316/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Syracuse?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $16,826/year higher in Richmond.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and New York?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% 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 Richmond or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/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 Richmond details → View Syracuse details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Richmond and Syracuse

Richmond vs. Fremont Richmond vs. Baton Rouge Richmond vs. Santa Clarita Richmond vs. Hialeah Richmond vs. Spokane Richmond vs. San Bernardino Syracuse vs. Denton Syracuse vs. McAllen Syracuse vs. Savannah Syracuse vs. Olathe Syracuse vs. Rockford Syracuse vs. Gainesville