Performance
Score Breakdown
Binghamton
Des Moines
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Des Moines is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
9% higher compared to Binghamton.
| Metric | Binghamton | Des Moines | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,138 | $1,162 | -2% |
| Groceries | $404 | $400 | +1% |
| Utilities | $194 | $180 | +8% |
| Transport | $312 | $90 | +247% |
| Healthcare | $226 | $250 | -10% |
| Monthly Total | $2,274 | $2,082 | +9% |
| Cost Index | 110 | 81 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Des Moines offers 15% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Des Moines 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 Des Moines.
| Metric | Binghamton | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $55,000 | $65,000 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 50,000 idx | 80,247 idx |
| Household Income | $45,578 | $47,000 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Binghamton | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 66.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Des Moines.
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 | Binghamton | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 16 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 33.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 55.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 17.90 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Des Moines is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Binghamton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Des Moines has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Binghamton | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 46,773 | 209,232 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.90% | % |
| Median Age | 35.9 | 38.0 |
| Unemployment | 4.30% | 4.10% |
| 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.
Des Moines
Advantages
The Des Moines metropolitan area is experiencing population growth, with an estimated 573,000 residents in 2025, a 1.24% increase from the previous year.
The cost of living in Des Moines is generally lower than the U.S. average.
The average commute time in West Des Moines is just 18 minutes, indicating efficient transportation.
The housing market saw a 0.9% increase in home prices over the three months ending May 2026, with a median price of $217,000.
Des Moines is a major business hub with growing job markets in insurance, finance, and healthcare.
Drawbacks
The city proper of Des Moines has experienced a population decline of approximately -0.55% annually since 2020.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines are higher than the national average.
Summers in Des Moines are hot and humid, with muggy conditions increasing throughout the season.
The median household income in Des Moines ($47,000) is lower than the Iowa state average ($52,000).
The Des Moines housing market, while showing recent price increases, experienced a slight decline in median sale prices in 2024.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
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
Des Moines
#9Iowa, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,162
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
81
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
45.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
74
Business
75
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