63
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
72
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Syracuse wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Syracuse wins 1–2 overall (72/100)
💰 Syracuse is more affordable
💼 Syracuse has lower unemployment
🛡️ Syracuse has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Syracuse — The Verdict
Syracuse scores 72.8/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Syracuse has a clear edge with home prices 61% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Syracuse has a notably lower disaster history with 5 fewer declarations in 20 years. Syracuse may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Syracuse are 61% lower — a difference of $186,600 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Syracuse saves you $382/month — that's $4,584 per year.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $28,089 more per year (64% higher median income).
🌬️
Syracuse has cleaner air with an AQI 23 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Syracuse has experienced 5 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$117,900
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$932
Median Income
$71,673
$43,584
The affordability gap is significant — Syracuse offers home prices 61% lower than Chicago, translating to $186,600 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
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)
60
37 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Syracuse wins on air quality with an AQI 23 points lower. For allergy sufferers, families with young children, or anyone with respiratory concerns, this difference is medically significant.
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)
10
5
Syracuse has a markedly lower disaster history — 5 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Syracuse: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Syracuse is more affordable overall. Home prices are $186,600 lower in Syracuse. Monthly rent is $932 in Syracuse vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Syracuse have better weather?
Syracuse scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Syracuse better for finding a job?
Syracuse currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.6% in Syracuse. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $43,584 in Syracuse.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Syracuse?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Syracuse is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 5 in Syracuse. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Syracuse.
Should I move from Chicago to Syracuse?
Based on our data, Syracuse scores 72.8/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 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.