Performance
Score Breakdown
Binghamton
Cincinnati
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Binghamton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
7% lower compared to Cincinnati.
Housing costs are a major driver: Binghamton's average rent is
19% lower than Cincinnati's.
| Metric | Binghamton | Cincinnati | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,138 | $1,410 | -19% |
| Groceries | $404 | $493 | -18% |
| Utilities | $194 | $178 | +9% |
| Transport | $312 | $120 | +160% |
| Healthcare | $226 | $250 | -10% |
| Monthly Total | $2,274 | $2,451 | -7% |
| Cost Index | 110 | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Cincinnati offers 30% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Cincinnati delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Binghamton is estimated at
$45,000 vs $55,000 in Cincinnati.
| Metric | Binghamton | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $55,000 | $79,000 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 50,000 idx | 76,699 idx |
| Household Income | $45,578 | $52,909 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Binghamton | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Cincinnati.
Cincinnati 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 | Binghamton | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 16 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 33.0/10 | 40.0/10 |
| Walkability | 55.0/10 | 49.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Cincinnati is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Binghamton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Cincinnati has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Binghamton | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 46,773 | 314,915 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.90% | 0.70% |
| Median Age | 35.9 | 33.2 |
| Unemployment | 4.30% | 3.20% |
| GDP | $13.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
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.
Cincinnati
Advantages
The cost of living in Cincinnati is 3% lower than the national average, making it more affordable than many major U.S. cities.
Cincinnati boasts a diverse and growing economy, with strong sectors in healthcare, manufacturing, and professional services.
The city offers a vibrant arts and culture scene, including museums, theaters, and a symphony orchestra.
Several neighborhoods, such as Over-The-Rhine and the Central Business District, are highly walkable, with Walk Scores of 94 and 92 respectively.
The median property value in Cincinnati was $230,900 in 2024, significantly lower than the national average, making homeownership more accessible.
Drawbacks
While some areas are highly walkable, the city's overall Walk Score of 49 indicates a car-dependent environment for most errands.
Public transportation, while available, is not considered the most dependable, often necessitating a personal vehicle.
The city's poverty rate was 25.5% in 2024, which is higher than the national average.
Cincinnati experiences extreme seasonal variations in humidity, with muggy summers and very cold, snowy winters.
The average commute time in the Cincinnati metropolitan area was 2 hours daily in 2023, which is relatively long compared to some other cities.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Binghamton
#88New 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
Cincinnati
#49Ohio, USA
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,410
Avg Salary
$79,000
Cost Index
103
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
40.0/10
Walkability
49.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.70%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
70
Business
72
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