Performance
Score Breakdown
Binghamton
Grand Rapids
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Binghamton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
15% lower compared to Grand Rapids.
Housing costs are a major driver: Binghamton's average rent is
24% lower than Grand Rapids's.
| Metric | Binghamton | Grand Rapids | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,138 | $1,500 | -24% |
| Groceries | $404 | $650 | -38% |
| Utilities | $194 | $235 | -17% |
| Transport | $312 | $150 | +108% |
| Healthcare | $226 | $152 | +49% |
| Monthly Total | $2,274 | $2,687 | -15% |
| Cost Index | 110 | 95 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 11% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Grand Rapids delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Binghamton is estimated at
$45,000 vs $41,000 in Grand Rapids.
| Metric | Binghamton | Grand Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $55,000 | $49,334 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $41,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 50,000 idx | 51,931 idx |
| Household Income | $45,578 | $69,108 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Binghamton | Grand Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| 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
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Grand Rapids.
Grand Rapids scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
| Metric | Binghamton | Grand Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 16 min | 19 min |
| Transit Score | 33.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Walkability | 55.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 21.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Grand Rapids 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, Grand Rapids has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Binghamton | Grand Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 46,773 | 201,357 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.90% | 0.09% |
| Median Age | 35.9 | 32.3 |
| Unemployment | 4.30% | 3.60% |
| 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.
Grand Rapids
Advantages
The cost of living in Grand Rapids is approximately 5% lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Grand Rapids boasts a diverse and growing job market, particularly in manufacturing, healthcare, and technology sectors, with a projected job growth rate of 0.2% in 2026.
The city has a relatively young median age of 32.3 years, contributing to a dynamic and energetic community.
Grand Rapids was ranked among the best cities in the country for starting a career in May 2026, indicating a strong entrepreneurial and professional environment.
The presence of major healthcare institutions like Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital ensures high-quality medical care and a significant number of facilities.
Drawbacks
Grand Rapids has a higher crime rate compared to most communities in Michigan, with a 1 in 30 chance of being a victim of violent or property crime.
While overall cost of living is lower, healthcare costs in Grand Rapids are about 4.1% higher than the national average.
The city's unemployment rate, at 3.6% in April 2026, is slightly above the national average of 4.198%.
Despite efforts to improve, public transit options and walkability scores are not exceptionally high, suggesting a medium car dependency for residents.
The housing market is competitive, with homes selling quickly and median prices increasing by 3.4% year-over-year as of May 2026.
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
Grand Rapids
#9Michigan, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,500
Avg Salary
$49,334
Cost Index
95
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
55.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.09%
Unemployment
3.60%
Livability
74
Business
70
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