Syracuse, NY vs Utica, NY

Syracuse, NY and Utica, NY have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.4% difference in their overall index. Syracuse scores 74 while Utica scores 71 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Syracuse is $998/month compared to $907/month in Utica — a 10% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Utica has cheaper rent, Syracuse actually has lower median home values ($125,100 vs $133,400).

Median household income in Syracuse is $45,845 compared to $51,513 in Utica (-11%). Utica offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Syracuse spend roughly 26.1% of their income on rent, more than the 21.1% in Utica.