City Comparison
Falkirk vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Falkirk scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Falkirk
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Falkirk is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
14% lower than in Binghamton.
| Metric | Falkirk | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,050 | $1,138 | -8% |
| Groceries | $380 | $404 | -6% |
| Utilities | $195 | $194 | +1% |
| Transport | $110 | $312 | -65% |
| Healthcare | $210 | $226 | -7% |
| Monthly Total | $1,945 | $2,274 | -14% |
| Cost Index | 78 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 25% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Falkirk delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Falkirk is estimated at
$36,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Falkirk | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $41,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $36,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 52,564 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $44,000 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Falkirk runs warmer on average — a 48.9°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Falkirk comes out ahead with 209 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Falkirk sees 7.6 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Falkirk | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 48.90°F | °F |
| Summer High | 65.90°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 34.80°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 41.40 in | in |
| Snowfall | 7.60 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 209 | |
| Humidity | 81.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,500 minutes (92 hours) per year compared to Falkirk.
Falkirk scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Falkirk leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Falkirk | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 27 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 68.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 64.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Binghamton is the larger city
— approximately 0.8x the population of Falkirk.
From a growth perspective, Binghamton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Falkirk has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Falkirk | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 38,500 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.60% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 42.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.20% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Falkirk
Advantages
Average property prices and rental rates are significantly more affordable than in nearby Edinburgh and Glasgow per ESPC data
Exceptional rail connectivity provides direct train services to Edinburgh and Glasgow in under 30 minutes
Home to world-class modern tourist attractions including the Falkirk Wheel and The Kelpies
Abundant green spaces and recreational areas such as Callendar Park and The Helix
Strategic central location along the M9 motorway facilitating effortless travel across Scotland's Central Belt
Drawbacks
Local town center retail has faced high street footfall challenges mirroring broader UK economic trends
Reliance on commuter routes can lead to localized peak-hour traffic congestion on key arterial roads
Public transport options in outlying rural villages within the council area can be limited outside peak hours
Weather patterns bring high annual rainfall and overcast days typical of central Scotland's climate
Certain industrial heritage sites require ongoing regeneration investment to maximize community benefit
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.
Falkirk
#4Scotland, UK
65.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,050
Avg Salary
$41,000
Cost Index
78
Commute
27 min
Transit Score
68.0/100
Walkability
64.0/100
Sunny Days
209/yr
Avg Temp
48.90°F
Pop. Growth
0.60%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
76
Business
69
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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