City Comparison
Polson vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Polson scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Polson
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Binghamton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
19% higher compared to Polson.
Housing costs are a major driver: Polson's average rent is
54% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Polson | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,750 | $1,138 | +54% |
| Groceries | $400 | $404 | -1% |
| Utilities | $180 | $194 | -7% |
| Transport | $120 | $312 | -62% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $226 | +11% |
| Monthly Total | $2,700 | $2,274 | +19% |
| Cost Index | 101 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Polson offers 18% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Polson delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Polson is estimated at
$55,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Polson | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 64,356 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $53,418 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Polson runs warmer on average — a 48.1°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Polson comes out ahead with 248 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Polson sees 46.6 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Polson | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 48.10°F | °F |
| Summer High | 79.60°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 21.00°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 23.60 in | in |
| Snowfall | 46.60 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 248 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Polson.
Polson 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 | Polson | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 33.0/10 |
| Walkability | 27.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Binghamton is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Polson.
From a growth perspective, Polson is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Polson has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Polson | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,428 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.05% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 43.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 3.20% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $61.9B | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Polson
Advantages
Stunning natural beauty with proximity to Flathead Lake and outdoor recreational activities.
Growing economy supported by tourism, agriculture, and small-scale manufacturing.
Affordable cost of living compared to the national average, with housing costs on par.
Strong community spirit and family-friendly neighborhoods.
Montana's favorable tax environment with no state income tax.
Drawbacks
Car-dependent with limited public transportation options.
Housing market shows rapid rent acceleration and high median listing prices.
Weather can be unpredictable.
Poverty rate of 17.5% in 2024.
Job growth has seen a slight decline in recent years.
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.
Polson
#57Montana, USA
62.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,750
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
101
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
27.0/10
Sunny Days
248/yr
Avg Temp
48.10°F
Pop. Growth
2.05%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
74
Business
68
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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