Cost of Living: Syracuse, NY vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Syracuse

New York
59
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Syracuse is 75% cheaper than Cambridge.

$998/mo ↓ 64%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 175%
$45,845/yr ↓ 64%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 176%
$125,100 ↓ 88%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 732%
$980/mo ↓ 63%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 169%
146,211
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

26.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Syracuse, NY and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 59 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,744/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $20,928/year.

Median household income is $80,624/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Syracuse is $125,100 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Cambridge slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Syracuse vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Syracuse or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Syracuse and Cambridge?
Median rent in Syracuse is $998/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,744/month.
Which city has higher income, Syracuse or Cambridge?
Median household income is $45,845 in Syracuse and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $80,624/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between New York and Massachusetts?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Syracuse or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with median rent of $998/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Syracuse details → View Cambridge details →

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