Moving from Ann Arbor, MI to Syracuse, NY
The drive from Ann Arbor, MI to Syracuse, NY runs 500 mi — about 9h 42m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
500 mi · 9h 42m by car · NY → PA → OH → MI
Distance & route
| Route through | NY → PA → OH → MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 23, SR 2 |
| Major cities en route | Rochester, Buffalo, Cleveland, Akron, Toledo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Ann Arbor | Syracuse | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.88 | 95.742 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 98.184 | 133.405 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.711 | 99.693 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.3 | 80.656 | 100.0 |
Syracuse is 5.1% cheaper than Ann Arbor overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Syracuse is 5.1% below Ann Arbor — $523,391 vs $210,251 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Ann Arbor +3.2%, Syracuse +5.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Ann Arbor | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 49°F |
| January avg low | 16°F | 17°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 82°F |
| Annual snowfall | 59.3" | 127.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.9" | 39.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Ann Arbor (48.2°F) and Syracuse (48.5°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Syracuse averages 127.8 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ANN ARBOR SE, MI US, SYRACUSE HANCOCK INTL AP, NY US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Ann Arbor | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,179 | 146,211 |
| Median household income | $81,089 | $45,845 |
| Median age | 27.7 | 31.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.5% | 17.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 2.47 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 5.1% between Ann Arbor and Syracuse (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Syracuse MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 40,010 | $45,230 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 25,810 | $42,170 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 25,460 | $35,690 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 25,240 | $65,780 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 23,760 | $34,050 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Michigan and New York
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New York's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a much snowier climate — Syracuse averages 127.8 in annually vs 59.3 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in New York after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Ann Arbor vs Syracuse?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,845 in Syracuse vs $81,089 in Ann Arbor — a 43.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Ann Arbor to Syracuse?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 500 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Syracuse compared to Ann Arbor?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $210,251 in Syracuse vs $523,391 in Ann Arbor — a 59.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Ann Arbor and Syracuse?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 48.5°F in Syracuse vs 48.2°F in Ann Arbor (0.3°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 127.8 in vs 59.3 in. Annual precipitation: 39.9 in vs 37.9 in.
How does the job market in Syracuse compare to Ann Arbor?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,350 in the Syracuse MSA vs $49,690 in the Ann Arbor MSA, on total employment of 294,490 and 215,300 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Syracuse, NY from Ann Arbor, MI?
The driving distance is 500 mi and the route typically takes 9h 42m via I 90 and US 23. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Syracuse more expensive than Ann Arbor?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Syracuse is 5.1% lower than Ann Arbor (95.742 vs 100.88, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Ann Arbor.
City profiles: Ann Arbor, MI · Syracuse, NY.