City Comparison
Boston vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Boston scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Boston
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Binghamton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
50% higher compared to Boston.
Housing costs are a major driver: Boston's average rent is
111% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Boston | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,400 | $1,138 | +111% |
| Groceries | $450 | $404 | +11% |
| Utilities | $180 | $194 | -7% |
| Transport | $120 | $312 | -62% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $226 | +11% |
| Monthly Total | $3,400 | $2,274 | +50% |
| Cost Index | 150 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Boston offers 28% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Binghamton delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Boston is estimated at
$75,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Boston | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $70,513 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $75,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 47,009 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $97,791 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Boston runs warmer on average — a 51°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Boston comes out ahead with 250 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Boston sees 25 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Boston | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 51.00°F | °F |
| Summer High | 80.50°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 20.60°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 40.20 in | in |
| Snowfall | 25.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 250 | |
| Humidity | 67.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
8,000 minutes (133 hours) per year compared to Boston.
Boston scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Boston leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Boston | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 32 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 70.0/10 | 33.0/10 |
| Walkability | 75.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 60.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Boston is the larger city
— approximately 14.4x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Binghamton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Binghamton has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Boston | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 675,647 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.17% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 33.3 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.70% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Boston
Advantages
Boston is recognized as a top city for healthcare, with world-class hospitals and medical facilities.
The city is a global hub for innovation, particularly in biotechnology and life sciences, attracting significant venture capital funding.
Boston offers a rich historical and cultural landscape, with numerous landmarks and a vibrant arts scene.
It is a leading center for higher education, home to prestigious universities like Harvard and MIT, which contribute to a highly educated workforce.
Boston has a strong public transit system, the MBTA, offering subway, bus, and commuter rail services, alongside high walkability scores in many neighborhoods.
Drawbacks
Boston has one of the highest costs of living in the United States, primarily driven by expensive housing.
Traffic congestion and parking difficulties can make driving in the city challenging.
The cost of healthcare, while high quality, is also among the most expensive in the nation.
Public transportation, while extensive, can face issues with reliability and service disruptions.
Winter weather in Boston can be severe, with cold temperatures, significant snowfall, and icy conditions.
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.
Boston
#144Massachusetts, USA
47.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,400
Avg Salary
$70,513
Cost Index
150
Commute
32 min
Transit Score
70.0/10
Walkability
75.0/10
Sunny Days
250/yr
Avg Temp
51.00°F
Pop. Growth
0.17%
Unemployment
4.70%
Livability
79
Business
75
Binghamton
#165New York, USA
38.0 / 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
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