Performance
Score Breakdown
Kitchener
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Binghamton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
17% higher compared to Kitchener.
Housing costs are a major driver: Kitchener's average rent is
53% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Kitchener | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,738 | $1,138 | +53% |
| Groceries | $400 | $404 | -1% |
| Utilities | $180 | $194 | -7% |
| Transport | $90 | $312 | -71% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $226 | +11% |
| Monthly Total | $2,658 | $2,274 | +17% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 6% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Kitchener delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Kitchener is estimated at
$55,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Kitchener | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $51,950 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 54,684 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $87,000 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Kitchener | 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
6,000 minutes (100 hours) per year compared to Kitchener.
Kitchener 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 | Kitchener | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 72.0/10 | 33.0/10 |
| Walkability | 45.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Kitchener is the larger city
— approximately 5.5x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Kitchener 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 | Kitchener | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 256,885 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 6.40% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 39.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 6.50% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Kitchener
Advantages
Strong job growth in the Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge CMA, with a 7.9% increase in employment in December 2024.
Affordable cost of living compared to many other major Canadian cities, with an estimated cost of living index of 95.
Highly walkable downtown core and good public transit options, including the ION light rail.
Vibrant cultural scene with major events like Oktoberfest and a rich German heritage.
Access to green spaces and recreational areas, including parks and trails along the Grand River.
Drawbacks
Crime rates are reported to be 35% higher than the Ontario average.
Public transit consistency can be an issue, with reports of punctuality problems.
Finding a family doctor can be challenging due to long waitlists at clinics.
Some areas of the city exhibit higher car dependency, impacting walkability outside the downtown core.
Recent slowdown in population growth, potentially impacting future economic momentum.
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.
Kitchener
#13Ontario, Canada
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,738
Avg Salary
$51,950
Cost Index
95
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
72.0/10
Walkability
45.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
6.40%
Unemployment
6.50%
Livability
74
Business
68
Binghamton
#117New 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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