Performance
Score Breakdown
Binghamton
Tampa
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Binghamton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
25% lower compared to Tampa.
Housing costs are a major driver: Binghamton's average rent is
37% lower than Tampa's.
| Metric | Binghamton | Tampa | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,138 | $1,800 | -37% |
| Groceries | $404 | $552 | -27% |
| Utilities | $194 | $294 | -34% |
| Transport | $312 | $120 | +160% |
| Healthcare | $226 | $250 | -10% |
| Monthly Total | $2,274 | $3,016 | -25% |
| Cost Index | 110 | 100 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Tampa offers 15% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Tampa delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Binghamton is estimated at
$45,000 vs $70,000 in Tampa.
| Metric | Binghamton | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $55,000 | $65,000 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $70,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 50,000 idx | 65,000 idx |
| Household Income | $45,578 | $84,114 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Binghamton | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 74.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,500 minutes (75 hours) per year compared to Tampa.
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 | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 16 min | 25 min |
| Transit Score | 33.0/10 | 31.0/10 |
| Walkability | 55.0/10 | 50.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 55.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Tampa is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Tampa 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 | Binghamton | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 46,773 | 419,635 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.90% | 1.47% |
| Median Age | 35.9 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.30% | 4.80% |
| 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.
Tampa
Advantages
Tampa's job market is experiencing significant growth, particularly in education, health services, and financial activities.
The city has seen a substantial reduction in total crime (14.8%) and violent crime (8.4%) in 2024.
The median household income in Tampa increased by over 15% between 2023 and 2024.
Tampa offers a high quality of life with abundant outdoor activities and a vibrant cultural scene.
Healthcare costs in Tampa are generally lower than the Florida state average.
Drawbacks
The violent crime rate in Tampa (444.6 per 100,000) was higher than the national average in 2024.
Housing costs, particularly median home values, have seen a significant increase, making homeownership less accessible for some.
Tampa's population growth rate has slowed in 2024 compared to previous years, with fewer new residents moving to the city.
The city's overall walkability score is moderate, indicating a reliance on cars for many errands.
The unemployment rate in Tampa (4.8% in April 2026) is slightly above the national average.
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
Tampa
#9Florida, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
100
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
31.0/10
Walkability
50.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.47%
Unemployment
4.80%
Livability
70
Business
75
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