Average Rent in Syracuse, NY↑ Rents rising 17.3% YoY

Syracuse, NY has rental prices ranging from $963/month to $1,821/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,074/month — 23% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $73,558/year, spending $1,074/month on a 1-bedroom represents 18% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Syracuse Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,321/month, Syracuse ranks #13 most expensive of the 41 cities tracked in New York — pricier than 87% of all US cities in our data.

The Syracuse Rental Market

The Syracuse, NY area has a population of about 657,128 and 32% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Syracuse, NY have risen by $195/month (17.3%) over the past year, from $1,126 to $1,321. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Syracuse, NY without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $42,960. The local median household income of $73,558 exceeds that threshold by $30,598, making Syracuse relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Syracuse, NY is $219,372, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 13.8. The break-even point between renting and buying is roughly 14 years — renting offers more flexibility for shorter stays, while buying makes more sense for long-term residents.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Syracuse's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Skunk City ($105,627 median home value), Near Westside ($106,165 median home value), Brighton ($106,806 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Syracuse, NY Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Syracuse?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Syracuse

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.