Performance
Score Breakdown
Syracuse
Las Cruces
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Las Cruces is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
31% higher compared to Syracuse.
Housing costs are a major driver: Syracuse's average rent is
45% higher than Las Cruces's.
| Metric | Syracuse | Las Cruces | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,546 | $1,068 | +45% |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Utilities | $327 | $198 | +65% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $150 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,593 | $1,986 | +31% |
| Cost Index | 103 | 91 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Syracuse offers 11% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Las Cruces delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Syracuse is estimated at
$75,000 vs $64,000 in Las Cruces.
| Metric | Syracuse | Las Cruces |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,525 | $52,790 |
| Salary Needed | $75,000 | $64,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 56,820 idx | 58,011 idx |
| Household Income | $47,819 | $55,422 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Syracuse | Las Cruces |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 4.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
Syracuse scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Syracuse leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Syracuse | Las Cruces |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 18 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 45.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 57.0/10 | 34.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Syracuse is the larger city
— approximately 1.3x the population of Las Cruces.
From a growth perspective, Las Cruces is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Las Cruces has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Syracuse | Las Cruces |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 147,822 | 116,998 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | 0.99% |
| Median Age | 31.8 | 33.0 |
| Unemployment | 5.10% | 4.50% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Syracuse
Advantages
Syracuse offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major cities in New York State.
The city has a growing job market, particularly in healthcare, education, and advanced manufacturing, with significant projects like Micron's semiconductor facility boosting employment opportunities.
Syracuse is home to strong educational institutions, including Syracuse University and SUNY Upstate Medical University, contributing to a vibrant and educated community.
The city boasts a good safety profile, with a violent crime rate significantly below the national average.
Residents benefit from manageable commute times, averaging around 18 minutes.
Drawbacks
Syracuse experiences severe and snowy winters, with heavy annual snowfall.
The city has a higher cost of living than the national average, particularly concerning housing expenses.
Public transportation can be unreliable, contributing to a medium car dependency for residents.
Some areas of the city face challenges with crime and poverty.
Utility costs, especially for heating, can be high due to long, cold winters.
Las Cruces
Advantages
The cost of living in Las Cruces is significantly lower than the national average, particularly for housing and utilities. [9, 10, 35, 39]
Las Cruces offers a pleasant climate with abundant sunshine, ideal for outdoor activities year-round. [4, 8, 12 in previous search, 28 in previous search]
The city has a thriving job market with consistent growth in key sectors like healthcare, education, and government. [4, 5, 7, 13, 17, 40]
Las Cruces was ranked 9th among small cities for overall economic growth in a 2025 study, indicating strong economic momentum. [29, 41]
The community is known for its friendly, welcoming atmosphere and rich cultural heritage. [8, 24 in previous search, 30 in previous search]
Drawbacks
Las Cruces has a high crime rate, with violent crime reported to be 68% higher and property crime 153% higher than the national average in 2024. [20]
The city is largely car-dependent, with limited public transit options and a low walkability score. [10, 11, 22]
Some residents report challenges with the quality and access to medical specialists and addiction treatment services. [8, 44 in previous search, 45 in previous search]
Average hourly earnings in Las Cruces are lower than the national average. [41 in previous search, 17]
Traffic congestion can lead to annual delays for drivers. [43 in previous search]
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Syracuse
#53New York, USA
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,546
Avg Salary
$58,525
Cost Index
103
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
57.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
5.10%
Livability
70
Business
70
Las Cruces
#22New Mexico, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,068
Avg Salary
$52,790
Cost Index
91
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
34.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.99%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
78
Business
70
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