Median rent is 40% lower in Syracuse ($998/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Syracuse, where the median home runs $125,100 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $45,845 a year). Taken together, Syracuse is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 93.5 against 98.8 — about 5% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
Syracuse is 5% cheaper overall
Cost index: 93.5 in Syracuse vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Syracuse, NY
How much would you need to earn in Syracuse, NY to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Syracuse, NY
$71,007
You could earn $3,993 less (5% lower) and break even.
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
Austin
Texas
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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Syracuse — median rent of $998/mo versus $1,655/mo in Austin, a 40% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $125,100 in Syracuse — 76% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while New York tops out at 10.90% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 4.00% in New York; Syracuse has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Syracuse
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Syracuse has cleaner air on average: 17.0 AQI (Good) compared to 47.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Syracuse if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 93.5 vs 98.8).
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick Syracuse if you prioritize cheaper rent ($998/mo median).
Pick Syracuse if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 17.0).
Is Austin cheaper than Syracuse?
Syracuse is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 93.5 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 5% lower in Syracuse.
How much is rent in Austin vs Syracuse?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $998/mo in Syracuse, NY. Syracuse, NY has the lower rent by about 40%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Syracuse?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $45,845 in Syracuse, NY. Austin, TX 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 47.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Austin or Syracuse?
Texas has no state income tax. New York has a top rate of 10.90%.
What salary do I need in Syracuse to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $94,676 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