Performance
Score Breakdown
Calgary
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Calgary is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
24% lower compared to Binghamton.
| Metric | Calgary | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,177 | $1,138 | +3% |
| Groceries | $268 | $404 | -34% |
| Utilities | $125 | $194 | -36% |
| Transport | $90 | $312 | -71% |
| Healthcare | $71 | $226 | -69% |
| Monthly Total | $1,731 | $2,274 | -24% |
| Cost Index | 65 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 3% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Calgary delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Calgary is estimated at
$46,129 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Calgary | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $53,505 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $46,129 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 82,315 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $69,893 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Calgary | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | % | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
6,000 minutes (100 hours) per year compared to Calgary.
Calgary 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 | Calgary | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 33.0/10 |
| Walkability | 39.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 125.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Calgary is the larger city
— approximately 34.2x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Calgary 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 | Calgary | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,600,000 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.53% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 38.8 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 6.80% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Calgary
Advantages
Calgary has a high median household after-tax income compared to other major Canadian cities, at $107,400 CAD (2021 Census).
The city's Crime Severity Index fell to a near historic low of 61.7 in 2025, well below the national average.
Calgary's tech ecosystem is experiencing rapid growth, expanding at four times the Canadian average since 2021.
Alberta has the lowest provincial tax rate nationally, with no provincial sales tax or land transfer tax, making everyday purchases and homeownership more affordable.
Calgary offers a high quality of life, with 78% of residents rating it as good or excellent in 2025.
Drawbacks
Despite overall safety, property crime remains a significant concern in Calgary, with 51,999 incidents in 2025.
Calgary is largely a car-dependent city, with an average Walk Score of 39, indicating that most errands require a car.
The unemployment rate in Calgary was 6.8% in December 2025, which, while improved, remains a factor for job seekers.
Only 10% of Calgarians live within walking distance of fast and frequent public transit service, limiting car-free convenience.
Rising housing costs, including rent and home purchase prices, continue to be an important consideration for residents.
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.
Calgary
#6Alberta, Canada
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,177
Avg Salary
$53,505
Cost Index
65
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
39.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.53%
Unemployment
6.80%
Livability
78
Business
80
Binghamton
#85New 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
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