Performance
Score Breakdown
Moreno Valley
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Binghamton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
40% higher compared to Moreno Valley.
Housing costs are a major driver: Moreno Valley's average rent is
65% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Moreno Valley | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,881 | $1,138 | +65% |
| Groceries | $413 | $404 | +2% |
| Utilities | $180 | $194 | -7% |
| Transport | $410 | $312 | +31% |
| Healthcare | $302 | $226 | +34% |
| Monthly Total | $3,186 | $2,274 | +40% |
| Cost Index | 117 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Moreno Valley offers 7% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Moreno Valley delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Moreno Valley is estimated at
$70,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Moreno Valley | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,932 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $70,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 50,369 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $93,222 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Moreno Valley | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 60.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
7,000 minutes (117 hours) per year compared to Moreno Valley.
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 | Moreno Valley | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 30 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 33.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 60.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Moreno Valley is the larger city
— approximately 4.6x 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 | Moreno Valley | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 215,549 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.60% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 32.5 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 5.00% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Moreno Valley
Advantages
More affordable housing market compared to other major Southern California cities, with median home prices significantly lower than Murrieta and Temecula.
Strategic location with direct freeway access to Los Angeles and Orange County, offering shorter commute times for many.
Growing industrial sector, particularly in logistics and warehousing, providing steady employment opportunities.
Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters, conducive to outdoor activities year-round.
Diverse and relatively young population, contributing to a vibrant community atmosphere.
Drawbacks
Cost of living is 17% higher than the national average, primarily driven by housing and transportation costs.
Higher violent and property crime rates compared to national averages.
Heavily car-dependent city with a walk score of 0, necessitating a car for most daily activities.
Recent job growth has seen a decline of 1.38% in employment from June 2025 to June 2026.
School performance and safety statistics reportedly lag behind some neighboring cities like Murrieta and Temecula.
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.
Moreno Valley
#64California, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,881
Avg Salary
$58,932
Cost Index
117
Commute
30 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.60%
Unemployment
5.00%
Livability
65
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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