Cost of Living: Syracuse, NY vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Syracuse

New York
59
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Syracuse is 37% cheaper than Rochester.

$998/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 32%
$45,845/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 91%
$125,100 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 130%
$980/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 36%
146,211
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
9.85%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

26.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Syracuse, NY and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 59 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $318/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $3,816/year.

Median household income is $41,922/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Syracuse is $125,100 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Minnesota has a lower income tax rate, making Rochester slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Syracuse vs Rochester — common questions

Is Syracuse or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Syracuse and Rochester?
Median rent in Syracuse is $998/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $318/month.
Which city has higher income, Syracuse or Rochester?
Median household income is $45,845 in Syracuse and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $41,922/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between New York and Minnesota?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Syracuse or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with median rent of $998/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Syracuse details → View Rochester details →

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