01 · the cities
Lansing
Lansing is the Michigan state capital, Michigan State (East Lansing is essentially a continuation), and old auto industry roots that have softened into a quieter mid-sized city. The Grand River curves through downtown. The Capitol building is one of the prettier state capitols you'll see. Cheap, friendly, and a quick drive to Lake Michigan beaches.
full dispatch→Syracuse
Syracuse averages around 120 inches of snow per year, which is the most of any major U.S. city, and locals wear it like a badge. The Carrier Dome (now JMA Wireless Dome) is the largest on-campus arena in the country. The food scene leans Italian (Salt City was an Italian immigrant hub) and excellent. The Finger Lakes are right next door. Bring boots.
full dispatch→02 · the money
Median rent
Median rent
$1,259/mo
$1,619/mo
$360/mo more than Lansing (22%)
Median home price
Median home price
$244k
$254k
$11k more than Lansing
State income tax
State income tax
4.3%
5.9%
Gross left after rent
Gross left after rent
$6,720/mo
$6,227/mo
Lansing has $493/mo more gross after rent at $100k
Gross left after rent reflects state income tax but not federal, based on $100k salary. Enter your salary to find your ideal city.
03 · the weather
Pleasant days/yr
Pleasant days/yr
153 days
142 days
11 fewer than Lansing
Extreme heat days
Extreme heat days
0 days
1 days
days above 95°F per year
Extreme cold days
Extreme cold days
52 days
53 days
days below 20°F per year
Lansing edges ahead on pleasant days, but both cities have comparable comfort overall.
04 · the life
OutdoorScore
OutdoorScore
57 / 100
59 / 100
2.0 pts ahead of Lansing
Nonstop flights
Nonstop flights
6 routes
16 routes
10 more direct routes than Lansing
Metro size
Metro size
473k metro
653k metro
Lansing has 3.9x fewer events per month than Syracuse.
the verdict
5
Lansing
categories won
2
Syracuse
categories won
Lansing wins on money and weather. Syracuse has the edge on lifestyle.
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