Moving from Cleveland, OH to Syracuse, NY
Relocating between Cleveland, OH and Syracuse, NY is a 337 mi drive β 6h 38m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
337 mi Β· 6h 38m by car Β· OH β PA β NY
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β PA β NY |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 271, SR 2 |
| Major cities en route | Akron, Buffalo, Rochester |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cleveland | Syracuse | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.923 | 95.742 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.967 | 133.405 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 99.693 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.434 | 80.656 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
1.9% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Cleveland -1.9%, Syracuse +5.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cleveland | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 24Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 82Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 127.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 33.3" | 39.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 127.8 in of snowfall annually at Syracuse.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CLEVELAND BURKE AP, OH US, SYRACUSE HANCOCK INTL AP, NY US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cleveland | Syracuse |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 367,523 | 146,211 |
| Median household income | $39,187 | $45,845 |
| Median age | 36.3 | 31.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.5% | 17.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.18 | 2.47 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 1.9% higher in Syracuse than Cleveland.
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 Ohio 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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Syracuse averages 127.8 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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
When is the best time to move from Cleveland to Syracuse?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 337 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Cleveland vs Syracuse?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,845 in Syracuse vs $39,187 in Cleveland β a 17.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Syracuse, NY from Cleveland, OH?
The driving distance is 337 mi and the route typically takes 6h 38m via I 90 and I 271. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Syracuse more expensive than Cleveland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Syracuse is 1.9% higher than Cleveland (95.742 vs 93.923, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Syracuse compared to Cleveland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $210,251 in Syracuse vs $115,537 in Cleveland β a 82.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cleveland.
City profiles: Cleveland, OH Β· Syracuse, NY.