Performance
Score Breakdown
Airdrie
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Binghamton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
24% higher compared to Airdrie.
Housing costs are a major driver: Airdrie's average rent is
62% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Airdrie | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,840 | $1,138 | +62% |
| Groceries | $529 | $404 | +31% |
| Utilities | $196 | $194 | +1% |
| Transport | $256 | $312 | -18% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $226 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $2,821 | $2,274 | +24% |
| Cost Index | 105 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 22% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Binghamton delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Airdrie is estimated at
$64,499 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Airdrie | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $43,126 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $64,499 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 41,072 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $86,525 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Airdrie | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 48.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Airdrie has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
8,000 minutes (133 hours) per year compared to Binghamton.
Binghamton scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Binghamton leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Airdrie | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 33.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Airdrie is the larger city
— approximately 2x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Airdrie is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Binghamton has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Airdrie | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 94,070 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 4.50% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 34.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 6.91% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Airdrie
Advantages
Airdrie is experiencing rapid population growth, making it the fastest-growing city in Alberta.
The city has a lower Crime Severity Index (43.2 in 2024) compared to the provincial average (95.6).
Housing in Airdrie is generally more affordable than in nearby Calgary, offering more space for the money.
Residents benefit from a high quality of life, characterized by a friendly atmosphere, excellent amenities, and family-friendly communities.
Airdrie's strategic location provides easy access to Calgary's extensive amenities and major transportation routes.
Drawbacks
Specific crime categories, such as motor vehicle theft and theft under $5,000, saw increases of 20% and 19% respectively in 2025.
Domestic violence incidents in Airdrie increased by eight percent year-over-year in 2025.
Public transit fares have been increasing, with further adjustments expected.
Businesses in Airdrie face challenges due to limited commercial space and rising leasing costs.
Employers report difficulties in attracting and retaining skilled staff, particularly in hospitality, trades, and healthcare sectors.
Binghamton
Advantages
The average commute time in Binghamton is relatively short at 16 minutes, offering more personal time.
Housing costs are generally lower than the national average, with a median home price of $194,000 as of December 2025.
The presence of Binghamton University provides a vibrant cultural scene and educational opportunities.
The city's economy is diversifying with growth in healthcare, education, and advanced manufacturing sectors.
Binghamton offers access to natural landscapes and outdoor recreational activities due to its river confluence and surrounding hills.
Drawbacks
Binghamton has a high crime rate, with total crime being 86% higher than the national average based on 2024 FBI data.
The unemployment rate in Binghamton was 4.3% in 2026, slightly higher than the national average.
Public transportation options are limited, as indicated by a Transit Score of 33 for Downtown Binghamton.
Despite some positive economic indicators, the Binghamton metro area experienced a 2.8% population decrease over a 10-year period leading up to 2024.
Drug-related crime remains a significant concern in the Binghamton area, despite a decrease in overdose rates.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Airdrie
#1Alberta, Canada
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,840
Avg Salary
$43,126
Cost Index
105
Commute
min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
4.50%
Unemployment
6.91%
Livability
80
Business
70
Binghamton
#23New York, USA
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,138
Avg Salary
$55,000
Cost Index
110
Commute
16 min
Transit Score
33.0/10
Walkability
55.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.90%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
68
Business
60
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Airdrie and Binghamton.
Open Cost Calculator