City Comparison
Chemnitz vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Chemnitz scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Chemnitz
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Chemnitz is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
27% lower than in Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Chemnitz's average rent is
61% lower than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Chemnitz | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $443 | $1,138 | -61% |
| Groceries | $564 | $404 | +40% |
| Utilities | $338 | $194 | +74% |
| Transport | $74 | $312 | -76% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $226 | +11% |
| Monthly Total | $1,669 | $2,274 | -27% |
| Cost Index | 47 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 94% lower 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 Chemnitz is estimated at
$1,530 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Chemnitz | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $3,187 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $1,530 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 6,781 idx | 50,000 idx |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Chemnitz runs warmer on average — a 50.5°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Chemnitz comes out ahead with 239 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Chemnitz sees 15.2 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Chemnitz | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 50.50°F | °F |
| Summer High | 73.80°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 30.70°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 27.30 in | in |
| Snowfall | 15.20 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 239 | |
| Humidity | 76.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
6,000 minutes (100 hours) per year compared to Chemnitz.
Chemnitz scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Chemnitz leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Chemnitz | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 60.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Chemnitz is the larger city
— approximately 5.3x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Binghamton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Chemnitz has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Chemnitz | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 247,252 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.81% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 45.7 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Chemnitz
Advantages
Chemnitz offers a significantly lower cost of living compared to the German national average, with housing costs being particularly affordable.
The city is a hub for innovation and research, particularly in microelectronics and mobility, fostering a dynamic environment for skilled professionals and businesses.
Chemnitz has a well-developed public transportation system and good walkability, making it easy to get around without a car.
The city provides a good quality of life with a safety index of 59 and a quality of life index of 88, offering a balanced urban experience.
Chemnitz is undergoing economic transformation, with investments in future-oriented industries and a growing entrepreneurial spirit.
Drawbacks
The unemployment rate in Chemnitz is around 4.1%, which is slightly above the national average for Germany.
While improving, Chemnitz's economy is still transitioning from its industrial past, which can impact job growth in certain sectors.
The city experiences cold winters with snowfall, which may not appeal to everyone seeking a warmer climate.
While improving, Chemnitz's public image and attractiveness to international companies may still be developing compared to larger German cities.
The average monthly net salary in Chemnitz is approximately $3,187, which is lower than in many other major German cities.
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.
Chemnitz
#6Saxony, Germany
71.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$443
Avg Salary
$3,187
Cost Index
47
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/100
Walkability
60.0/100
Sunny Days
239/yr
Avg Temp
50.50°F
Pop. Growth
0.81%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
74
Business
68
Binghamton
#603New York, USA
38.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,138
Avg Salary
$55,000
Cost Index
110
Commute
16 min
Transit Score
33.0/100
Walkability
55.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.90%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
68
Business
60
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