Cost of Living: Syracuse, NY vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Syracuse

New York
59
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Syracuse is 47% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$998/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 47%
$45,845/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↑ 39%
$125,100 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 215%
$980/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 57%
146,211
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
10.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.62%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

26.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Syracuse, NY and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 59 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $465/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $5,580/year.

Median household income is $18,029/year higher in Elizabeth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Syracuse is $125,100 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

New Jersey has a lower income tax rate, making Elizabeth slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Syracuse vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Syracuse or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Syracuse and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Syracuse is $998/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $465/month.
Which city has higher income, Syracuse or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $45,845 in Syracuse and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $18,029/year higher in Elizabeth.
How do taxes compare between New York and New Jersey?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Syracuse or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with median rent of $998/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Syracuse details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Syracuse and Elizabeth

Syracuse vs. Denton Syracuse vs. McAllen Syracuse vs. Savannah Syracuse vs. Olathe Syracuse vs. Rockford Syracuse vs. Gainesville Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland