Cost of Living: Syracuse, NY vs Downey, CA (2026)

Syracuse

New York
59
VS

Downey

California
169

Syracuse is 65% cheaper than Downey.

$998/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 90%
$45,845/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 91%
$125,100 ↓ 83%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 482%
$980/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 104%
146,211
Population
111,793

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Syracuse, NY and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 59 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $894/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $10,728/year.

Median household income is $41,555/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Syracuse is $125,100 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

New York has a lower income tax rate, making Syracuse slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Syracuse vs Downey — common questions

Is Syracuse or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Syracuse and Downey?
Median rent in Syracuse is $998/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $894/month.
Which city has higher income, Syracuse or Downey?
Median household income is $45,845 in Syracuse and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $41,555/year higher in Downey.
How do taxes compare between New York and California?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Syracuse or Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with median rent of $998/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Syracuse details → View Downey details →

More Comparisons

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