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

Syracuse

New York
59
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Syracuse is 73% cheaper than Pasadena.

$998/mo ↓ 55%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 122%
$45,845/yr ↓ 56%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 126%
$125,100 ↓ 88%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 735%
$980/mo ↓ 58%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 139%
146,211
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Syracuse, NY and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 59 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,220/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $14,640/year.

Median household income is $57,933/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Syracuse is $125,100 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Syracuse vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Syracuse or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Syracuse and Pasadena?
Median rent in Syracuse is $998/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $1,220/month.
Which city has higher income, Syracuse or Pasadena?
Median household income is $45,845 in Syracuse and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $57,933/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with median rent of $998/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Syracuse details → View Pasadena details →

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