City Comparison
Hildesheim vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Hildesheim scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Hildesheim
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Hildesheim is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
20% lower than in Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Hildesheim's average rent is
19% lower than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Hildesheim | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $920 | $1,138 | -19% |
| Groceries | $410 | $404 | +1% |
| Utilities | $230 | $194 | +19% |
| Transport | $75 | $312 | -76% |
| Healthcare | $180 | $226 | -20% |
| Monthly Total | $1,815 | $2,274 | -20% |
| Cost Index | 78 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 12% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Hildesheim delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Hildesheim is estimated at
$38,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Hildesheim | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $48,500 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $38,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 62,179 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $49,000 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Hildesheim runs warmer on average — a 51.2°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Hildesheim comes out ahead with 247 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Hildesheim sees 12.1 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Hildesheim | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 51.20°F | °F |
| Summer High | 74.20°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 32.10°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 23.80 in | in |
| Snowfall | 12.10 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 247 | |
| Humidity | 74.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,000 minutes (67 hours) per year compared to Hildesheim.
Hildesheim scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Hildesheim leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Hildesheim | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 24 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 68.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 82.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Hildesheim is the larger city
— approximately 2.2x 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 | Hildesheim | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 101,617 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.40% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 43.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 6.20% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Hildesheim
Advantages
Significantly more affordable housing and rental markets compared to nearby Hanover and national primary metros.
Two UNESCO World Heritage churches provide exceptional historic and cultural value to the city center.
Strong educational infrastructure anchored by the University of Hildesheim and HAWK University of Applied Sciences and Arts.
Excellent rail connectivity and highway access providing fast commutes to Hanover and regional economic hubs.
High safety levels and abundant green spaces create an ideal environment for families and students.
Drawbacks
Local career advancement opportunities in specialized tech or corporate sectors often require commuting to larger cities like Hanover.
Rental vacancy rates for modern, energy-efficient apartments in central locations can be tight due to student demand.
Nightlife and entertainment options are more subdued compared to major metropolitan centers.
Public transportation in outer residential districts relies heavily on bus schedules rather than frequent rail links.
Local wages and median salaries trail behind Germany's primary economic powerhouses.
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.
Hildesheim
#19Lower Saxony, Germany
65.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$920
Avg Salary
$48,500
Cost Index
78
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
68.0/100
Walkability
82.0/100
Sunny Days
247/yr
Avg Temp
51.20°F
Pop. Growth
0.40%
Unemployment
6.20%
Livability
80
Business
67
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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