Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Seattle is 232% more expensive than Syracuse.

$1,998/mo ↑ 100%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 50%
$121,984/yr ↑ 166%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 62%
$912,100 ↑ 629%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 86%
$2,220/mo ↑ 127%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 56%
741,440
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
10.9%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,000/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $12,000/year.

Median household income is $76,139/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over New York's 10.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Seattle or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Syracuse?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $1,000/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Syracuse?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $76,139/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and New York?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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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More Comparisons

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