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

Syracuse

New York
59
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Syracuse is 28% cheaper than Lakeland.

$998/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↑ 30%
$45,845/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↑ 33%
$125,100 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$229,100 ↑ 83%
$980/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↑ 17%
146,211
Population
117,030

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Syracuse, NY and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 59 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $301/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $3,612/year.

Median household income is $15,102/year higher in Lakeland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Syracuse is $125,100 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Syracuse vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Syracuse or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Syracuse and Lakeland?
Median rent in Syracuse is $998/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $301/month.
Which city has higher income, Syracuse or Lakeland?
Median household income is $45,845 in Syracuse and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $15,102/year higher in Lakeland.
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 Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with median rent of $998/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Syracuse details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

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Syracuse vs. Denton Syracuse vs. McAllen Syracuse vs. Savannah Syracuse vs. Olathe Syracuse vs. Rockford Syracuse vs. Gainesville Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon