Cost of Living: Tempe, AZ vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Tempe is 103% more expensive than Syracuse.

$1,623/mo ↑ 63%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 39%
$77,643/yr ↑ 69%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 41%
$421,900 ↑ 237%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 70%
$1,554/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 37%
186,419
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
10.9%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $625/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $7,500/year.

Median household income is $31,798/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Tempe slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Tempe or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Syracuse?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $625/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Syracuse?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $31,798/year higher in Tempe.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and New York?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Tempe or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/mo, while Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with rent of $998/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tempe details → View Syracuse details →

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