Performance
Score Breakdown
Olympia
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Binghamton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
23% higher compared to Olympia.
Housing costs are a major driver: Olympia's average rent is
58% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Olympia | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,800 | $1,138 | +58% |
| Groceries | $420 | $404 | +4% |
| Utilities | $216 | $194 | +11% |
| Transport | $120 | $312 | -62% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $226 | +11% |
| Monthly Total | $2,806 | $2,274 | +23% |
| Cost Index | 113 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Olympia offers 45% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Olympia delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Olympia is estimated at
$75,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Olympia | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $80,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $75,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 70,796 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $81,302 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Olympia | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Olympia.
Olympia scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
| Metric | Olympia | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 45.0/10 | 33.0/10 |
| Walkability | 55.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 50.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Olympia is the larger city
— approximately 1.2x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Olympia 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 | Olympia | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 57,869 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.70% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 40.5 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.80% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Olympia
Advantages
Olympia's projected population growth rate of 1.7% for 2026 indicates a growing and dynamic community.
The city offers a vibrant arts and culture scene, along with extensive outdoor recreational opportunities due to its natural surroundings.
Utility costs in Olympia are approximately 10% lower than the national average, providing some financial relief to residents.
The average commute time of 20 minutes is relatively short compared to many larger metropolitan areas.
Olympia's median household income of $81,302 in 2024 is higher than the national median, supporting a comfortable lifestyle for many residents.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Olympia is 13% higher than the national average, primarily driven by housing expenses.
Average rent for apartments in Olympia increased by 6% year-over-year as of June 2026, indicating rising housing costs.
Healthcare costs in Olympia are significantly higher, approximately 24% above the national average.
Transportation expenses are 28% higher than the national average, impacting daily budgets for commuters.
The unemployment rate in Olympia was 4.8% in April 2026, slightly higher than the national average.
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.
Olympia
#5Washington, USA
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$80,000
Cost Index
113
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
55.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.70%
Unemployment
4.80%
Livability
80
Business
70
Binghamton
#23New 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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