Performance
Score Breakdown
Dallas
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Dallas is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
7% lower compared to Syracuse.
| Metric | Dallas | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,412 | $1,546 | -9% |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Utilities | $281 | $327 | -14% |
| Transport | $126 | $120 | +5% |
| Healthcare | $135 | $150 | -10% |
| Monthly Total | $2,404 | $2,593 | -7% |
| Cost Index | 101 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Dallas offers 4% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Dallas delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Dallas is estimated at
$96,970 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Dallas | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $60,900 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $96,970 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 60,297 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $70,518 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Dallas | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Syracuse has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,000 minutes (67 hours) per year compared to Dallas.
Dallas scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Dallas leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Dallas | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 26 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 57.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 41.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Dallas is the larger city
— approximately 9x the population of Syracuse.
From a growth perspective, Dallas is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Dallas has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Dallas | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,336,440 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.52% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 33.4 | 31.8 |
| Unemployment | 4.30% | 5.10% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Dallas
Advantages
Violent crime in Dallas dropped by 12% in 2025, indicating an improving safety landscape.
The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is a leader in economic growth, ranking highly for job creation and business investment.
Dallas is recognized as a top city for dining out, offering affordable options for mid-range meals.
Texas has no state income tax, which can lead to higher take-home pay for residents.
The city boasts a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, ranking 27th globally for startups in 2026.
Drawbacks
Property crime remains a significant challenge in Dallas, particularly in certain neighborhoods.
Utility costs in Dallas are higher than the national average, primarily due to electricity expenses.
Dallas experiences notable traffic congestion, with commuters spending considerable time in traffic.
Despite overall metro growth, the city of Dallas experienced a slight population decline in 2025.
While public transit exists, high car dependency is a reality for navigating the sprawling Dallas-Fort Worth area.
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.
Dallas
#1Texas, USA
85.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,412
Avg Salary
$60,900
Cost Index
101
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.52%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
80
Business
88
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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