Median rent is 8% lower in Syracuse ($998/mo vs $1,085/mo). Buying is cheaper in Syracuse, where the median home runs $125,100 versus $266,700. Households earn more in Albuquerque ($65,604 vs $45,845 a year). Taken together, Albuquerque is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 93.4 against 93.5 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Albuquerque, NM.
City A
Albuquerque, NM
City B
Syracuse, NY
How much would you need to earn in Syracuse, NY to maintain your standard of living from Albuquerque, NM?
Equivalent salary in Syracuse, NY
$75,140
You'd need $140 more (0% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Albuquerque
New Mexico
Syracuse
New York
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Syracuse at $998/mo compared to $1,085/mo in Albuquerque (8% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Albuquerque: the median home is $266,700 versus $125,100 in Syracuse — 53% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
New Mexico's top income tax rate is 5.90% versus 10.90% in New York, so Albuquerque is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.88% in New Mexico and 4.00% in New York; Syracuse has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Albuquerque
Income tax: 5.90%
Sales tax: 4.88%
Syracuse
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Syracuse has cleaner air on average: 17.0 AQI (Good) compared to 43.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Albuquerque if you prioritize higher median household income ($65,604/yr).
Pick Syracuse if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 17.0).
Pick Albuquerque if you prioritize lower state income tax (5.90%).
Is Albuquerque cheaper than Syracuse?
Albuquerque is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 93.4 versus 93.5 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Albuquerque.
How much is rent in Albuquerque vs Syracuse?
Median rent is $1,085/mo in Albuquerque, NM and $998/mo in Syracuse, NY. Syracuse, NY has the lower rent by about 8%.
Which has higher salaries — Albuquerque or Syracuse?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque, NM and $45,845 in Syracuse, NY. Albuquerque, NM has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Syracuse, NY has better air quality on average: 17.0 AQI versus 43.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Albuquerque or Syracuse?
New Mexico's top income tax rate is 5.90% and New York's is 10.90%. Albuquerque, NM has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Syracuse to match my Albuquerque income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Albuquerque, NM is equivalent to roughly $100,186 in Syracuse, NY (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology