72
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
72
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
It's a tie 0–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Neither wins 0–0 overall (72/100)
💰 Syracuse is more affordable
💼 Syracuse has lower unemployment
🛡️ Syracuse has fewer disasters
📋 Buffalo vs Syracuse — The Verdict
It's a close call — Buffalo (72.8/100) and Syracuse (72.8/100) each win 0 categories. On affordability, Syracuse has a clear edge with home prices 11% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Syracuse has a notably lower disaster history with 6 fewer declarations in 20 years.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Syracuse are 11% lower — a difference of $14,200 in median home value.
💵
Households in Buffalo earn $2,600 more per year (6% higher median income).
🛡️
Syracuse has experienced 6 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$132,100
$117,900
Median Rent /mo
$942
$932
Median Income
$46,184
$43,584
Syracuse edges out Buffalo on housing costs by 11%, a difference of $14,200. Factor in rent and utilities to get the complete affordability picture.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
4.6%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
Air Quality (AQI)
31 Good
37 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
11
5
Syracuse has a markedly lower disaster history — 6 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Buffalo to Syracuse: Common Questions
Is Buffalo or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Syracuse is more affordable overall. Home prices are $14,200 lower in Syracuse. Monthly rent is $932 in Syracuse vs $942 in Buffalo.
Does Buffalo or Syracuse have better weather?
Syracuse scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Buffalo or Syracuse better for finding a job?
Syracuse currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Buffalo vs 4.6% in Syracuse. Median household income is $46,184 in Buffalo and $43,584 in Syracuse.
Which city is safer — Buffalo or Syracuse?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Syracuse is safer. Buffalo has had 11 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 5 in Syracuse. Buffalo scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Syracuse.
Should I move from Buffalo to Syracuse?
Based on our data, Syracuse scores 72.8/100 vs Buffalo's 72.8/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Syracuse is more affordable, while Syracuse has a better climate.
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.