CostIndexUSA

Chico, CA vs Syracuse, NY Cost of Living

Data: BEA Regional Price Parities · Census ACS · 2024

CA
Chico
101.2
overall index
$1,575/mo rent
More AffordableNY
Syracuse
95.7
overall index
$1,575/mo rent

Syracuse is moderately cheaper than Chico — 5.4% lower overall cost of living.

To match an $80,000 salary in Chico, you would need $75,700 in Syracuse. Calculate your salary ↓

Category Breakdown

Index values: 100 = U.S. national average. Higher = more expensive.

🏠 Housing12.2%
Chico
91.9
Syracuse
80.7
🛒 Groceries5.2%
Chico
105.2
Syracuse
99.7
🚗 Transportation2.6%
Chico
105.3
Syracuse
102.6
🏥 Healthcare2.5%
Chico
95.3
Syracuse
92.9
Utilities16.0%
Chico
158.8
Syracuse
133.4

Salary Equivalency Calculator

Enter your current salary in Chico to see what you'd need to earn in Syracuse to maintain the same purchasing power.

$
Equivalent salary in Syracuse, NY
$75,700
$4,300 less needed in Syracuse

Formula: salary × (95.7 ÷ 101.2) = salary × 0.9457. Based on BEA Regional Price Parities.

Housing Market

Chico, CA

Median Home Price
$390,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,575
Housing Index
91.9
Price-to-Rent Ratio
20.6×

Syracuse, NY

Median Home Price
$245,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,575
Housing Index
80.7
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.0×

Chico has 12.2% lower housing costs compared to Syracuse.

Income & Job Market

Chico, CA

Median Household Income
$63,200
Per Capita Income
$36,000
Unemployment Rate
6.9%
Population
101,475
Top Industries
EducationHealthcareAgricultureManufacturingRetail

Syracuse, NY

Median Household Income
$73,300
Per Capita Income
$41,800
Unemployment Rate
4%
Population
148,458
Top Industries
HealthcareEducationManufacturingFinanceGovernment

Affordability at a Glance

Income-to-rent ratio: higher is better (more income relative to housing costs).

Chico, CA
3.3×income-to-rent ratio

70% of income left after rent (median)

Syracuse, NY
3.9×income-to-rent ratio

74% of income left after rent (median)

Data Sources: Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parities 2024; U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS); Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Local Area Unemployment Statistics; Zillow Research.

Cost indices use 100 as the U.S. national average. Values above 100 indicate costs above the national average. Data is updated annually.

This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for relocation or financial decisions.