Median rent is 18% lower in Syracuse ($998/mo vs $1,221/mo). Buying is cheaper in Syracuse, where the median home runs $125,100 versus $193,200. Households earn more in Pittsburgh ($64,137 vs $45,845 a year). Taken together, Syracuse is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 93.5 against 93.7 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Pittsburgh, PA.
City A
Pittsburgh, PA
City B
Syracuse, NY
How much would you need to earn in Syracuse, NY to maintain your standard of living from Pittsburgh, PA?
Equivalent salary in Syracuse, NY
$74,857
You could earn $143 less (0% 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
Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania
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 $1,221/mo in Pittsburgh (18% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Pittsburgh: the median home is $193,200 versus $125,100 in Syracuse — 35% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Pennsylvania's top income tax rate is 3.07% versus 10.90% in New York, so Pittsburgh is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Pennsylvania and 4.00% in New York; Syracuse has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Pittsburgh
Income tax: 3.07%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Syracuse
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Syracuse has cleaner air on average: 17.0 AQI (Good) compared to 29.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Pittsburgh if you prioritize higher median household income ($64,137/yr).
Pick Syracuse if you prioritize cheaper rent ($998/mo median).
Pick Syracuse if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 17.0).
Pick Pittsburgh if you prioritize lower state income tax (3.07%).
Is Pittsburgh cheaper than Syracuse?
Syracuse is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 93.5 versus 93.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Syracuse.
How much is rent in Pittsburgh vs Syracuse?
Median rent is $1,221/mo in Pittsburgh, PA and $998/mo in Syracuse, NY. Syracuse, NY has the lower rent by about 18%.
Which has higher salaries — Pittsburgh or Syracuse?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh, PA and $45,845 in Syracuse, NY. Pittsburgh, PA 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 29.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Pittsburgh or Syracuse?
Pennsylvania's top income tax rate is 3.07% and New York's is 10.90%. Pittsburgh, PA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Syracuse to match my Pittsburgh income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Pittsburgh, PA is equivalent to roughly $99,809 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