Performance
Score Breakdown
Grand Blanc
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Grand Blanc is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
10% lower compared to Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Grand Blanc's average rent is
14% lower than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Grand Blanc | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $983 | $1,138 | -14% |
| Groceries | $518 | $404 | +28% |
| Utilities | $180 | $194 | -7% |
| Transport | $120 | $312 | -62% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $226 | +11% |
| Monthly Total | $2,051 | $2,274 | -10% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Grand Blanc offers 8% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Grand Blanc delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Grand Blanc is estimated at
$28,500 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Grand Blanc | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $59,270 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $28,500 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 62,389 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $70,518 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Grand Blanc | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
9,000 minutes (150 hours) per year compared to Grand Blanc.
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 | Grand Blanc | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 34 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 33.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Binghamton is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x the population of Grand Blanc.
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 | Grand Blanc | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,034 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 39.3 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 5.80% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Grand Blanc
Advantages
Grand Blanc's violent crime rate of 1.9 per 1,000 residents is significantly lower than the national average of 3.6 per 1,000, contributing to a strong sense of safety.
The cost of living in Grand Blanc is 5% lower than the national average, making it a more affordable place to reside.
A high percentage of adults in Grand Blanc (43.7%) hold a bachelor's degree or higher, indicating a well-educated populace.
The city has a strong healthcare sector, anchored by Henry Ford Genesys Hospital, providing comprehensive medical services.
Employment in Grand Blanc grew at a rate of 2.61% from 2023 to 2024, suggesting a healthy local job market.
Drawbacks
Grand Blanc is a car-dependent city with a Walk Score of 0 out of 100, meaning almost all errands require a car.
The average commute time of 34.20 minutes is higher than the national average, potentially leading to longer travel times for residents.
The city's population is currently experiencing a slight decline, with a -0.57% annual decrease.
The unemployment rate in Grand Blanc was 5.8% in March 2026, which is higher than the national average.
Public transportation options for daily commuting are limited or non-existent, increasing reliance on personal vehicles.
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.
Grand Blanc
#49Michigan, USA
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$983
Avg Salary
$59,270
Cost Index
95
Commute
34 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
5.80%
Livability
72
Business
68
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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