Performance
Score Breakdown
Memphis
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Memphis is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
19% lower compared to Syracuse.
Housing costs are a major driver: Memphis's average rent is
22% lower than Syracuse's.
| Metric | Memphis | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,210 | $1,546 | -22% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $250 | $327 | -24% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $120 | $150 | -20% |
| Monthly Total | $2,100 | $2,593 | -19% |
| Cost Index | 89 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Syracuse offers 23% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Syracuse delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Memphis is estimated at
$70,000 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Memphis | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $45,000 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $70,000 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 50,562 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $51,736 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Memphis | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Syracuse has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Memphis.
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 | Memphis | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Walkability | 20.0/10 | 57.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 19.40 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Memphis is the larger city
— approximately 4.1x the population of Syracuse.
From a growth perspective, Syracuse is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Memphis has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Memphis | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 609,647 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 34.2 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 4.70% | 5.10% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Memphis
Advantages
Memphis boasts a significantly lower cost of living compared to the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
The city has a vibrant cultural scene, particularly renowned for its rich musical heritage and diverse culinary offerings.
Utility rates in Memphis are among the lowest in the United States, contributing to overall affordability.
The rental market exhibits strong demand and low vacancy rates, indicating a stable environment for property owners and investors.
Memphis has seen significant reductions in overall and violent crime rates in 2025, with homicides declining by 26%.
Drawbacks
Memphis has experienced a consistent population decline in recent years, with a projected negative growth rate.
The city has a very high violent crime rate, significantly above the national average, despite recent reductions.
Despite low utility rates, a high energy burden disproportionately affects low-income households.
Memphis is a car-dependent city with low walkability and minimal public transit options.
Tennessee, as a state, ranks low in overall healthcare quality, which may reflect on city-level access and outcomes.
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.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Memphis
#102Tennessee, USA
58.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,210
Avg Salary
$45,000
Cost Index
89
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
20.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.70%
Livability
55
Business
62
Syracuse
#50New 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
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