Cost of Living: Syracuse, NY vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Syracuse

New York
59
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Syracuse is 44% cheaper than Clearwater.

$998/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 54%
$45,845/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↑ 41%
$125,100 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 161%
$980/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 44%
146,211
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

26.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Syracuse, NY and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 59 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $541/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $6,492/year.

Median household income is $18,595/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Syracuse is $125,100 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Syracuse vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Syracuse or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Syracuse and Clearwater?
Median rent in Syracuse is $998/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $541/month.
Which city has higher income, Syracuse or Clearwater?
Median household income is $45,845 in Syracuse and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $18,595/year higher in Clearwater.
How do taxes compare between New York and Florida?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Syracuse or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with median rent of $998/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Syracuse details → View Clearwater details →

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