Performance
Score Breakdown
Yakima
Syracuse
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Yakima is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
18% lower compared to Syracuse.
Housing costs are a major driver: Yakima's average rent is
27% lower than Syracuse's.
| Metric | Yakima | Syracuse | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,127 | $1,546 | -27% |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Utilities | $274 | $327 | -16% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $153 | $150 | +2% |
| Monthly Total | $2,124 | $2,593 | -18% |
| Cost Index | 102 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Syracuse offers 41% 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 Yakima is estimated at
$49,428 vs $75,000 in Syracuse.
| Metric | Yakima | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $34,628 | $58,525 |
| Salary Needed | $49,428 | $75,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 33,949 idx | 56,820 idx |
| Household Income | $59,829 | $47,819 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Yakima | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | % | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 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 | Yakima | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 17 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 57.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | ||
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Syracuse is the larger city
— approximately 0.7x the population of Yakima.
From a growth perspective, Syracuse is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Syracuse has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Yakima | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 97,769 | 147,822 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 31.8 | |
| Unemployment | 5.30% | 5.10% |
| GDP | $13.3B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Yakima
Advantages
Yakima enjoys approximately 300 sunny days per year, making it one of Washington's sunniest major cities.
The cost of living in Yakima is notably affordable, with housing costs significantly lower than the national average.
The region is a world-class wine country with over 120 wineries, offering unique recreational and cultural experiences.
Residents have access to excellent outdoor recreation opportunities, including the Yakima River and nearby mountains, lakes, and trails.
The average commute time in Yakima County is shorter than the Washington state average, at 17.3 minutes.
Drawbacks
Yakima's overall crime rate is 22% higher than the national average, with violent crimes being 52% higher.
The nightlife and cultural scene can be limited, with many establishments closing early and less investment in arts compared to larger cities.
Public transit is not extensive, making car ownership almost essential for getting around the city effectively.
Some specialized medical care may require residents to travel to larger cities outside of Yakima.
Groceries and utilities are slightly more expensive than the national average.
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.
Yakima
#24Washington, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,127
Avg Salary
$34,628
Cost Index
102
Commute
17 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
5.30%
Livability
74
Business
68
Syracuse
#56New 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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