City Comparison
Kelowna vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Kelowna scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Kelowna
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Binghamton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
25% higher compared to Kelowna.
Housing costs are a major driver: Kelowna's average rent is
63% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Kelowna | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,860 | $1,138 | +63% |
| Groceries | $430 | $404 | +6% |
| Utilities | $180 | $194 | -7% |
| Transport | $120 | $312 | -62% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $226 | +11% |
| Monthly Total | $2,840 | $2,274 | +25% |
| Cost Index | 108 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Kelowna offers 18% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Kelowna delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Kelowna is estimated at
$72,396 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Kelowna | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $72,396 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 60,185 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $75,500 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Kelowna runs warmer on average — a 52°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Kelowna comes out ahead with 259 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Kelowna sees 24.2 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Kelowna | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 52.00°F | °F |
| Summer High | 84.80°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 26.30°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 19.50 in | in |
| Snowfall | 24.20 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 259 | |
| Humidity | 52.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
6,000 minutes (100 hours) per year compared to Kelowna.
Kelowna 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 | Kelowna | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/10 | 33.0/10 |
| Walkability | 35.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Kelowna is the larger city
— approximately 3.1x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Kelowna is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Kelowna has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Kelowna | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 144,576 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.80% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 42.7 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Kelowna
Advantages
Abundant outdoor recreational opportunities including water sports, hiking, and skiing.
Thriving wine region with numerous vineyards and wineries.
Growing technology and healthcare sectors offering diverse job opportunities.
High number of sunny days annually contributing to a pleasant climate.
Strong sense of community and active lifestyle.
Drawbacks
High cost of housing, particularly for home ownership and rentals, making it less affordable than the Canadian average.
Significant car dependency and increasing traffic congestion due to urban growth.
Limited public transit options outside of major corridors, impacting walkability and transit scores.
While crime rates are declining, public perception of safety, particularly regarding property crime, remains a concern.
Increasing demand on infrastructure and services due to population growth, despite recent moderation in growth rates.
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.
Kelowna
#32British Columbia, Canada
53.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,860
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
108
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
35.0/10
Walkability
35.0/10
Sunny Days
259/yr
Avg Temp
52.00°F
Pop. Growth
1.80%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
78
Business
75
Binghamton
#165New York, USA
38.0 / 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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