City Comparison
Belconnen vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Belconnen scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Belconnen
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Belconnen is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
34% lower than in Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Belconnen's average rent is
49% lower than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Belconnen | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $580 | $1,138 | -49% |
| Groceries | $400 | $404 | -1% |
| Utilities | $180 | $194 | -7% |
| Transport | $90 | $312 | -71% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $226 | +11% |
| Monthly Total | $1,500 | $2,274 | -34% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Belconnen offers 68% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Belconnen delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Belconnen is estimated at
$60,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Belconnen | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $92,352 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $60,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 97,213 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $92,352 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Belconnen runs warmer on average — a 57.1°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Belconnen comes out ahead with 289 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Belconnen sees 0.6 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Belconnen | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 57.10°F | °F |
| Summer High | 52.90°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 56.90°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 21.00 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.60 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 289 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
6,000 minutes (100 hours) per year compared to Belconnen.
Belconnen scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Belconnen leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Belconnen | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 60.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Belconnen is the larger city
— approximately 2.4x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Binghamton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Belconnen has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Belconnen | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 110,132 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.70% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 35.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Belconnen
Advantages
Belconnen is the most populous district in the ACT, indicating a significant community and established infrastructure.
The district offers a diverse range of housing options, from apartments to houses, catering to various needs and preferences.
Belconnen is home to major educational and sporting institutions, including the University of Canberra and the Australian Institute of Sport, providing employment and recreational opportunities.
The presence of Lake Ginninderra and numerous parks enhances the quality of life with ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and leisure activities.
Canberra, as a whole, is ranked highly for quality of life globally, and Belconnen benefits from this overall positive environment.
Drawbacks
Belconnen has been identified as a crime hotspot within Canberra, with higher rates of certain crimes compared to the ACT and national averages.
While property prices have seen some decreases in houses, the overall housing market can be competitive, and affordability remains a consideration.
Some reports indicate a higher proportion of children in Belconnen are developmentally vulnerable compared to ACT and national averages.
Belconnen's crime statistics show a concerning increase in violent crime in recent periods, despite decreases in other categories.
While Canberra is highly rated for quality of life, specific indicators like police services and graffiti/vandalism management have lower satisfaction rates among residents.
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.
Belconnen
#21Australian Capital Territory, Australia
55.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$580
Avg Salary
$92,352
Cost Index
95
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/100
Walkability
60.0/100
Sunny Days
289/yr
Avg Temp
57.10°F
Pop. Growth
0.70%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
75
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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