Performance
Score Breakdown
Indianapolis
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Binghamton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
28% higher compared to Indianapolis.
| Metric | Indianapolis | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,123 | $1,138 | -1% |
| Groceries | $450 | $404 | +11% |
| Utilities | $327 | $194 | +69% |
| Transport | $120 | $312 | -62% |
| Healthcare | $900 | $226 | +298% |
| Monthly Total | $2,920 | $2,274 | +28% |
| Cost Index | 90 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Indianapolis offers 38% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Indianapolis delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Indianapolis is estimated at
$55,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Indianapolis | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $76,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 84,444 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $66,219 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Indianapolis | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 73.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,500 minutes (75 hours) per year compared to Indianapolis.
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 | Indianapolis | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 33.0/10 |
| Walkability | 31.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 29.36 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Indianapolis is the larger city
— approximately 19.5x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Binghamton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Indianapolis has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Indianapolis | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 910,638 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.33% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 34.3 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 3.40% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Indianapolis
Advantages
The cost of living in Indianapolis is approximately 10.3% lower than the national average, making it a highly affordable city.
Indianapolis boasts a diverse and growing job market, particularly in Healthcare & Life Sciences, Logistics, and Advanced Manufacturing.
The average commute time in Central Indiana is relatively short at 24.6 minutes, contributing to a better work-life balance.
The city has a thriving sports and hospitality sector, attracting major events and offering numerous entertainment options.
Housing inventory is increasing, providing more options for buyers, and median home prices remain competitive.
Drawbacks
Indianapolis has a higher crime rate compared to many U.S. cities, with a BaseScore of 44/100 and a safety index indicating it's safer than only 3% of American cities.
The city is largely car-dependent, with limited walkability and public transit options outside of the downtown core.
The average salary in Indianapolis, at $76,000 annually, is lower than the national average.
Rental prices have experienced rapid growth in recent years, impacting affordability for some residents.
Traffic congestion is increasing, leading to more time lost in traffic for commuters.
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.
Indianapolis
#64Indiana, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,123
Avg Salary
$76,000
Cost Index
90
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
31.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.33%
Unemployment
3.40%
Livability
74
Business
70
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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