Median rent is 28% lower in Syracuse ($998/mo vs $1,380/mo). Buying is cheaper in Syracuse, where the median home runs $125,100 versus $315,200. Households earn more in Chicago ($75,134 vs $45,845 a year). Taken together, Syracuse is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 93.5 against 105.7 — about 12% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Chicago, IL.
Quick verdict
Syracuse is 12% cheaper overall
Cost index: 93.5 in Syracuse vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Syracuse, NY
How much would you need to earn in Syracuse, NY to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Syracuse, NY
$66,374
You could earn $8,626 less (12% 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
Chicago
Illinois
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 $1,380/mo in Chicago, a 28% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Chicago: the median home is $315,200 versus $125,100 in Syracuse — 60% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% versus 10.90% in New York, so Chicago is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 4.00% in New York; Syracuse has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
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 21.0 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 105.7).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize higher median household income ($75,134/yr).
Pick Syracuse if you prioritize cheaper rent ($998/mo median).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.95%).
Is Chicago cheaper than Syracuse?
Syracuse is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 93.5 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 12% lower in Syracuse.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Syracuse?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $998/mo in Syracuse, NY. Syracuse, NY has the lower rent by about 28%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Syracuse?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $45,845 in Syracuse, NY. Chicago, IL 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 21.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Chicago or Syracuse?
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% and New York's is 10.90%. Chicago, IL has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Syracuse to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $88,499 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