Cost of Living: Syracuse, NY vs Athens, GA (2026)

Syracuse

New York
59
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Syracuse is 29% cheaper than Athens.

$998/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↑ 16%
$45,845/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↑ 13%
$125,100 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$271,800 ↑ 117%
$980/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↑ 19%
146,211
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
5.49%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Syracuse, NY and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 59 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $164/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $1,968/year.

Median household income is $5,810/year higher in Athens. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Syracuse is $125,100 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Athens slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Syracuse vs Athens — common questions

Is Syracuse or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Syracuse and Athens?
Median rent in Syracuse is $998/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $164/month.
Which city has higher income, Syracuse or Athens?
Median household income is $45,845 in Syracuse and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $5,810/year higher in Athens.
How do taxes compare between New York and Georgia?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Syracuse or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with median rent of $998/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Syracuse details → View Athens details →

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