Cost of Living: Syracuse, NY vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Syracuse

New York
59
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Syracuse and Springfield have a similar cost of living.

$998/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 5%
$45,845/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↑ 43%
$125,100 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$155,200 ↑ 24%
$980/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$974/mo ≈ Same
146,211
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Syracuse, NY and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 59 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $53/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $636/year.

Median household income is $19,692/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Syracuse is $125,100 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Syracuse vs Springfield — common questions

Is Syracuse or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 61 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Syracuse and Springfield?
Median rent in Syracuse is $998/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $53/month.
Which city has higher income, Syracuse or Springfield?
Median household income is $45,845 in Syracuse and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $19,692/year higher in Springfield.
How do taxes compare between New York and Illinois?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Syracuse or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with median rent of $998/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Syracuse details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

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