Moving from Syracuse, NY to Thornton, CO
Cross-country relocations like Syracuse, NY → Thornton, CO cover 1656 mi and about 30h 8m of driving through 8 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
1656 mi · 30h 8m by car · NY → PA → OH → IN → IL → IA → NE → CO
Distance & route
| Route through | NY → PA → OH → IN → IL → IA → NE → CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 80, I 80 EXPRESS |
| Major cities en route | Rochester, Buffalo, Cleveland, Akron, Toledo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Syracuse | Thornton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.742 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 133.405 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.693 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 80.656 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 95.742 in Syracuse to 105.782 in Thornton, a 10.5% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Thornton: 10.5% above Syracuse on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Syracuse +5.1%, Thornton -3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Syracuse | Thornton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 17°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 82°F | 91°F |
| Annual snowfall | 127.8" | 44.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 39.9" | 14.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 44.8 in of snowfall annually at Thornton.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: SYRACUSE HANCOCK INTL AP, NY US, NORTHGLENN, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Syracuse | Thornton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 146,211 | 142,878 |
| Median household income | $45,845 | $100,985 |
| Median age | 31.9 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.2% | 22.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.88 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 10.5% between Syracuse and Thornton (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Thornton MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 173,910 | $49,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 172,890 | $48,280 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 164,250 | $84,370 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 140,150 | $36,010 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 129,510 | $45,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New York and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado'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.
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April — check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Thornton averages 44.8 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Thornton average 91°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Thornton sees only 14.5 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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 Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Syracuse and Thornton?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.4°F in Thornton vs 48.5°F in Syracuse (3.9°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 44.8 in vs 127.8 in. Annual precipitation: 14.5 in vs 39.9 in.
How far is Thornton, CO from Syracuse, NY?
The driving distance is 1656 mi and the route typically takes 30h 8m via I 90 and I 80. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Thornton compare to Syracuse?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Thornton MSA vs $49,350 in the Syracuse MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 and 294,490 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Syracuse vs Thornton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $100,985 in Thornton vs $45,845 in Syracuse — a 120.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Syracuse to Thornton?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1656 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Thornton compared to Syracuse?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $502,945 in Thornton vs $210,251 in Syracuse — a 139.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Thornton more expensive than Syracuse?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Thornton is 10.5% higher than Syracuse (105.782 vs 95.742, 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 Syracuse.
City profiles: Syracuse, NY · Thornton, CO.