Syracuse vs Bridgeport: Cost of Living Comparison
How does the cost of living in Syracuse, New York compare to Bridgeport, Connecticut? Below is a side-by-side breakdown of housing costs, income, wages, and taxes using official government data.
Summary: Syracuse is the more affordable city overall. Housing costs are 48% lower in Syracuse compared to Bridgeport, while rent is 32% lower. State income tax is 10.9% in NY vs 6.99% in CT.
| Metric | Syracuse, NY | Bridgeport, CT | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | |||
| Median Home Value | $117,900 | $227,200 | -48.1% |
| Median Monthly Rent | $932 | $1,369 | -31.9% |
| Income | |||
| Median Household Income | $43,584 | $54,440 | -19.9% |
| Per Capita Income | $26,472 | $29,506 | -10.3% |
| Taxes | |||
| State Income Tax Rate | 10.9% | 7.0% | +55.9% |
| Combined Sales Tax | 8.5% | 6.3% | +34.2% |
| Demographics | |||
| Population | 146,134 | 148,470 | -1.6% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates (2022), Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey. State/local tax rates from Tax Foundation (2024).
Rent vs. Buy Calculator — Syracuse
Default home price from Census ACS median. Mortgage rate: 6.38% (Freddie Mac PMMS, March 2026). Property tax est. 1.1%, insurance est. 0.35% of home value annually.
Rent vs. Buy Calculator — Bridgeport
Default home price from Census ACS median. Mortgage rate: 6.38% (Freddie Mac PMMS, March 2026). Property tax est. 1.1%, insurance est. 0.35% of home value annually.
Key Takeaways
- Housing: The median home in Syracuse costs $117,900 compared to $227,200 in Bridgeport — a 48% discount.
- Rent: Median rent is $932/mo in Syracuse vs $1,369/mo in Bridgeport.
- Income: Median household income is $43,584 in Syracuse and $54,440 in Bridgeport.
- Taxes: State income tax is 10.9% in New York vs 6.99% in Connecticut.
Methodology
This comparison uses data from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2022) for median household income, median home value, median gross rent, per capita income, and population. State and local tax rates are sourced from the Tax Foundation. Mortgage rates are from the Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey (updated weekly).