Median rent is 15% lower in Syracuse ($1,039/mo vs $1,219/mo). Buying is cheaper in Syracuse, where the median home runs $138,400 versus $315,500. Households earn more in Waukesha ($83,837 vs $47,819 a year). Taken together, Waukesha is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 95.7 against 95.7 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Waukesha, WI.
City A
Syracuse, NY
City B
Waukesha, WI
How much would you need to earn in Waukesha, WI to maintain your standard of living from Syracuse, NY?
Equivalent salary in Waukesha, WI
$74,965
You could earn $35 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
Syracuse
New York
Waukesha
Wisconsin
👥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 $1,039/mo compared to $1,219/mo in Waukesha (15% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Waukesha: the median home is $315,500 versus $138,400 in Syracuse — 56% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Syracuse
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Waukesha
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for Syracuse (avg AQI 31.0) but not yet for Waukesha.
Pick Waukesha if you prioritize higher median household income ($83,837/yr).
Pick Syracuse if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,039/mo median).
Is Syracuse cheaper than Waukesha?
Waukesha is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 95.7 versus 95.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Waukesha.
How much is rent in Syracuse vs Waukesha?
Median rent is $1,039/mo in Syracuse, NY and $1,219/mo in Waukesha, WI. Syracuse, NY has the lower rent by about 15%.
Which has higher salaries — Syracuse or Waukesha?
Median household income is $47,819 in Syracuse, NY and $83,837 in Waukesha, WI. Waukesha, WI 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Syracuse or Waukesha?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Waukesha to match my Syracuse income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Syracuse, NY is equivalent to roughly $99,953 in Waukesha, WI (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
