City Comparison
Apolda vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Apolda scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Apolda
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Apolda is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
32% lower than in Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Apolda's average rent is
43% lower than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Apolda | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $650 | $1,138 | -43% |
| Groceries | $380 | $404 | -6% |
| Utilities | $220 | $194 | +13% |
| Transport | $90 | $312 | -71% |
| Healthcare | $200 | $226 | -12% |
| Monthly Total | $1,540 | $2,274 | -32% |
| Cost Index | 72 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 24% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Apolda delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Apolda is estimated at
$36,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Apolda | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $42,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $36,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 58,333 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $41,000 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Apolda runs warmer on average — a 50.3°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Apolda comes out ahead with 259 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Apolda sees 8.7 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Apolda | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 50.30°F | °F |
| Summer High | 74.90°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 30.10°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 20.90 in | in |
| Snowfall | 8.70 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 259 | |
| Humidity | 70.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,500 minutes (75 hours) per year compared to Apolda.
Apolda scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Apolda leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Apolda | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 62.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 74.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Binghamton is the larger city
— approximately 0.5x the population of Apolda.
From a growth perspective, Binghamton 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 | Apolda | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 21,845 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | — | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 47.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 6.80% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Apolda
Advantages
Significantly lower housing and rental costs compared to nearby Weimar, Jena, and major German cities
Excellent regional rail connectivity providing direct commutes to Erfurt, Jena, and Leipzig
Rich cultural heritage featuring traditional bell founding, textile history, and local festivals
Abundant green spaces, parks, and direct access to the scenic Ilm valley cycling and hiking routes
Family-friendly environment with robust local schools, sports clubs, and a secure community atmosphere
Drawbacks
Limited local high-paying job opportunities, requiring many residents to commute to neighboring cities
Diminished nightlife and entertainment options compared to larger university cities like Jena or Erfurt
Demographic aging trends common to rural and semi-urban Thuringia
Moderate reliance on personal vehicles for accessing certain outlying commercial zones
Slower pace of commercial retail development in the historic downtown core
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.
Apolda
#32Thuringia, Germany
64.1 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$650
Avg Salary
$42,000
Cost Index
72
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
62.0/100
Walkability
74.0/100
Sunny Days
259/yr
Avg Temp
50.30°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
6.80%
Livability
76
Business
65
Binghamton
#603New York, USA
38.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,138
Avg Salary
$55,000
Cost Index
110
Commute
16 min
Transit Score
33.0/100
Walkability
55.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.90%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
68
Business
60
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