City Comparison
Potsdam-Mittelmark vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Potsdam-Mittelmark scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Potsdam-Mittelmark
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Binghamton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
2% lower than in Potsdam-Mittelmark.
Housing costs are a major driver: Potsdam-Mittelmark's average rent is
19% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Potsdam-Mittelmark | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,350 | $1,138 | +19% |
| Groceries | $420 | $404 | +4% |
| Utilities | $230 | $194 | +19% |
| Transport | $95 | $312 | -70% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $226 | -3% |
| Monthly Total | $2,315 | $2,274 | +2% |
| Cost Index | 98 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 2% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Potsdam-Mittelmark delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Potsdam-Mittelmark is estimated at
$48,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Potsdam-Mittelmark | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $54,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $48,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 55,102 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $58,000 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Potsdam-Mittelmark | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 72.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
9,000 minutes (150 hours) per year compared to Potsdam-Mittelmark.
Potsdam-Mittelmark scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Potsdam-Mittelmark leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Potsdam-Mittelmark | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 34 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 62.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 50.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Potsdam-Mittelmark is the larger city
— approximately 4.8x 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 | Potsdam-Mittelmark | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 223,318 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.80% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 43.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 5.20% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Potsdam-Mittelmark
Advantages
Strategic location completely surrounding Potsdam and bordering Berlin, offering excellent commuter connectivity
Extensive natural beauty including the High Fläming Nature Park and numerous lakes
Significantly lower crime rates and higher safety profile compared to major German urban centers
Growing local economy supported by tourism, tech clusters, and strong regional infrastructure
High concentration of family-friendly neighborhoods with excellent schools and green spaces
Drawbacks
Rising rental and real estate prices driven by high demand from Berlin and Potsdam commuters
Increased traffic congestion on key arterial roads during peak commuting hours
Higher reliance on personal vehicles for daily errands in the more rural southern parts of the district
Limited nightlife and entertainment options directly within smaller rural municipalities
Competitive rental market making it challenging to secure affordable housing quickly
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.
Potsdam-Mittelmark
#51Brandenburg, Germany
62.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,350
Avg Salary
$54,000
Cost Index
98
Commute
34 min
Transit Score
62.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
5.20%
Livability
82
Business
70
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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