Cost of Living: Syracuse, NY vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Syracuse

New York
59
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Syracuse is 50% cheaper than Lowell.

$998/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 61%
$45,845/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 66%
$125,100 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 216%
$980/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 71%
146,211
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

26.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Syracuse, NY and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 59 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $605/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $7,260/year.

Median household income is $30,360/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Syracuse is $125,100 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Lowell slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Syracuse vs Lowell — common questions

Is Syracuse or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Syracuse and Lowell?
Median rent in Syracuse is $998/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $605/month.
Which city has higher income, Syracuse or Lowell?
Median household income is $45,845 in Syracuse and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $30,360/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between New York and Massachusetts?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Syracuse or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with median rent of $998/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Syracuse details → View Lowell details →

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