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

Syracuse

New York
59
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Syracuse is 65% cheaper than Fairfield.

$998/mo ↓ 54%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 120%
$45,845/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 123%
$125,100 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 374%
$980/mo ↓ 56%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 127%
146,211
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Syracuse, NY and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 59 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,193/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $14,316/year.

Median household income is $56,476/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Syracuse is $125,100 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Syracuse vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Syracuse or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Syracuse and Fairfield?
Median rent in Syracuse is $998/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $1,193/month.
Which city has higher income, Syracuse or Fairfield?
Median household income is $45,845 in Syracuse and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $56,476/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with median rent of $998/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Syracuse details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Syracuse and Fairfield

Syracuse vs. Denton Syracuse vs. McAllen Syracuse vs. Savannah Syracuse vs. Olathe Syracuse vs. Rockford Syracuse vs. Gainesville Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill