Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Washington is 190% more expensive than Syracuse.

$1,900/mo ↑ 90%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 47%
$106,287/yr ↑ 132%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 57%
$724,600 ↑ 479%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 83%
$2,103/mo ↑ 115%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 53%
672,079
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
10.9%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.56%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $902/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $10,824/year.

Median household income is $60,442/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

District of Columbia has a lower income tax rate, making Washington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Washington or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Syracuse?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $902/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Syracuse?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $60,442/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and New York?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Syracuse details →

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