City Comparison
Hutchinson vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Hutchinson scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Hutchinson
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Hutchinson is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
14% lower than in Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Hutchinson's average rent is
25% lower than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Hutchinson | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $850 | $1,138 | -25% |
| Groceries | $380 | $404 | -6% |
| Utilities | $175 | $194 | -10% |
| Transport | $310 | $312 | -1% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $226 | +2% |
| Monthly Total | $1,945 | $2,274 | -14% |
| Cost Index | 82 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 7% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Hutchinson delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Hutchinson is estimated at
$42,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Hutchinson | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $51,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $42,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 62,195 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $53,500 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Hutchinson runs warmer on average — a 57.5°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Hutchinson comes out ahead with 279 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Hutchinson sees 13.3 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Hutchinson | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 57.50°F | °F |
| Summer High | 86.50°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 22.10°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 33.50 in | in |
| Snowfall | 13.30 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 279 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Hutchinson scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Hutchinson leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Hutchinson | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 17 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Binghamton is the larger city
— approximately 0.9x the population of Hutchinson.
From a growth perspective, Binghamton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Hutchinson has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Hutchinson | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 40,000 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | — | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 39.5 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 3.50% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Hutchinson
Advantages
Median home prices in Hutchinson are significantly lower than the national average per U.S. Census data.
Average commute times under 17 minutes provide superior daily quality of life.
Home to world-class educational and cultural assets including the Cosmosphere and Strataca.
Abundant outdoor recreational spaces, including the expansive Carey Park and local trail systems.
Strong local healthcare infrastructure anchored by the Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System.
Drawbacks
Limited public transportation options necessitate high car dependency for daily errands.
Hot summer temperatures and cold winter winds require higher seasonal utility management.
Slower job growth rates in certain traditional sectors compared to major Kansas metropolitan hubs.
Limited nightlife and entertainment options for young adults seeking a fast-paced urban scene.
Vulnerability to severe weather typical of central Kansas, including occasional high winds and storms.
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.
Hutchinson
#189Kansas, USA
64.1 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$850
Avg Salary
$51,000
Cost Index
82
Commute
17 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
279/yr
Avg Temp
57.50°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.50%
Livability
73
Business
65
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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