City Comparison
Norwalk vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Norwalk scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Norwalk
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Binghamton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
35% lower than in Norwalk.
Housing costs are a major driver: Norwalk's average rent is
107% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Norwalk | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,350 | $1,138 | +107% |
| Groceries | $520 | $404 | +29% |
| Utilities | $210 | $194 | +8% |
| Transport | $140 | $312 | -55% |
| Healthcare | $280 | $226 | +24% |
| Monthly Total | $3,500 | $2,274 | +54% |
| Cost Index | 128 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Norwalk offers 53% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Norwalk delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Norwalk is estimated at
$72,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Norwalk | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $84,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $72,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 65,625 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $98,500 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Norwalk runs warmer on average — a 53.6°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Norwalk comes out ahead with 250 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Norwalk sees 19.3 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Norwalk | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 53.60°F | °F |
| Summer High | 82.40°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 24.70°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 44.50 in | in |
| Snowfall | 19.30 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 250 | |
| Humidity | 64.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
8,000 minutes (133 hours) per year compared to Norwalk.
Norwalk scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Norwalk leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Norwalk | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 32 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 58.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 62.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 52.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Norwalk is the larger city
— approximately 1.9x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Binghamton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Norwalk has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Norwalk | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 91,184 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 39.2 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.00% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Norwalk
Advantages
Direct Metro-North commuter rail access to Grand Central Terminal in New York City
Thriving coastal lifestyle with extensive boating, marina, and beach access along Long Island Sound
Vibrant downtown SoNo district featuring diverse dining, arts, and the Maritime Aquarium
Robust local economy anchored by healthcare, professional services, and corporate headquarters
High educational attainment and strong public community engagement initiatives
Drawbacks
Cost of living and housing expenses significantly exceed the national average
Heavy commuter traffic congestion along the Interstate 95 and Route 7 corridors
Competitive real estate market with high median home purchase prices
High local property and state tax burdens typical of Fairfield County
Moderate car dependency in outer residential neighborhoods outside the urban core
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.
Norwalk
#495Connecticut, USA
53.2 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,350
Avg Salary
$84,000
Cost Index
128
Commute
32 min
Transit Score
58.0/100
Walkability
62.0/100
Sunny Days
250/yr
Avg Temp
53.60°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
4.00%
Livability
78
Business
72
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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