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

Syracuse

New York
59
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Syracuse is 81% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$998/mo ↓ 67%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 199%
$45,845/yr ↓ 74%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 279%
$125,100 ↓ 92%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 1121%
$980/mo ↓ 68%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 211%
146,211
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Syracuse, NY and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 59 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,987/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $23,844/year.

Median household income is $127,825/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Syracuse is $125,100 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Syracuse vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Syracuse or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Syracuse and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Syracuse is $998/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,987/month.
Which city has higher income, Syracuse or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $45,845 in Syracuse and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $127,825/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with median rent of $998/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Syracuse details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

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