Cost of Living: Syracuse, NY vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Syracuse

New York
59
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Syracuse is 26% cheaper than Columbia.

$998/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↑ 16%
$45,845/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↑ 21%
$125,100 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$243,500 ↑ 95%
$980/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↑ 19%
146,211
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
6.4%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

26.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Syracuse, NY and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 59 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $160/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $1,920/year.

Median household income is $9,808/year higher in Columbia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Syracuse is $125,100 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

South Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Columbia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Syracuse vs Columbia — common questions

Is Syracuse or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Syracuse and Columbia?
Median rent in Syracuse is $998/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $160/month.
Which city has higher income, Syracuse or Columbia?
Median household income is $45,845 in Syracuse and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $9,808/year higher in Columbia.
How do taxes compare between New York and South Carolina?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Syracuse or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with median rent of $998/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,158/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Syracuse details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

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