1. Define upstate. Rockland and Orange County (which most people in upstate consider to be downstate since they are in commuting distance of New York City). Albany, Rochester, Buffalo, etc. They are all different markets.
2. What level hinuch do you want? Do you need a suitable school or do you plan to home school?
3. Unlike Brooklyn, one must have a car upstate, and if both adults are working, you probably need two cars. This somewhat off sets the cheaper housing. However kosher food can cost substantially more and some items might be hard to find.