Cost of Living in Syracuse, NY
Is it worth moving here?
How far does a $70,000 salary go in Syracuse? Estimated income taxes on that gross salary total approximately $10,486 per year — combining federal taxes with New York's state income tax. Subtract rent for a 2-bedroom apartment ($1,392/month based on HUD Fair Market Rents for the Syracuse metro area) and the estimated annual take-home is $42,810, or roughly $3,568 per month for everything else: food, transportation, savings, and discretionary spending.
The Syracuse metro has a cost of living index of 79.6 according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (national average = 100). At 20% below the national average, Syracuse is a genuinely affordable metro where everyday expenses stretch further than in most cities.
At a $70,000 salary, the estimated 2-bedroom rent in Syracuse represents approximately 24% of gross income. That falls comfortably below the 30% rent-burden guideline, a healthy position for building savings.
Annual Breakdown
Cost of Living Index
Living in Syracuse, NY is roughly 20% less expensive than the national average.
Monthly Take-Home
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Affordability Score
K-12 Schools
See Details →Colleges & Universities
See Details →| Institution | Enrollment | In-State Tuition | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Joseph's College of Nursing | 283 | $21,816 | 100.0% |
| Colgate University | 3,146 | $66,622 | 91.0% |
| Center for Instruction, Technology & Innovation | 21 | $0 | 89.0% |
| Onondaga Cortland Madison BOCES | 342 | $0 | 82.0% |
| Syracuse University | 22,948 | $61,310 | 81.0% |
| Continental School of Beauty Culture-Mattydale | 145 | $0 | 74.0% |
| Le Moyne College | 3,154 | $37,770 | 71.0% |
| SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry | 2,737 | $7,070 | 70.0% |
| Pomeroy College of Nursing at Crouse Hospital | 179 | $16,328 | 69.0% |
| State University of New York at Oswego | 6,756 | $7,070 | 60.0% |
| SUNY Morrisville | 2,040 | $7,070 | 32.0% |
| Onondaga Community College | 8,112 | $5,290 | 25.0% |
| Bryant & Stratton College-Syracuse North | 471 | $19,459 | 25.0% |
| Upstate Medical University | 1,286 | $7,070 | — |