City Comparison
Sheffield vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Sheffield scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Sheffield
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Sheffield is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
12% lower than in Binghamton.
| Metric | Sheffield | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,185 | $1,138 | +4% |
| Groceries | $400 | $404 | -1% |
| Utilities | $180 | $194 | -7% |
| Transport | $90 | $312 | -71% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $226 | -34% |
| Monthly Total | $2,005 | $2,274 | -12% |
| Cost Index | 63 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 27% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Sheffield delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Sheffield is estimated at
$37,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Sheffield | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $40,400 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $37,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 64,127 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $45,000 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Sheffield runs warmer on average — a 52.1°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Sheffield comes out ahead with 234 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Sheffield sees 8.7 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Sheffield | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 52.10°F | °F |
| Summer High | 71.50°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 36.90°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 28.70 in | in |
| Snowfall | 8.70 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 234 | |
| Humidity | 75.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
6,000 minutes (100 hours) per year compared to Sheffield.
Sheffield scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Sheffield leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Sheffield | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 65.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 60.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Sheffield is the larger city
— approximately 12.5x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Binghamton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Sheffield has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Sheffield | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 582,493 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.01% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 40.9 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 3.40% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Sheffield
Advantages
Sheffield is one of the most affordable major cities in the UK, with average rents significantly lower than in southern cities.
The city offers excellent access to nature, with the Peak District National Park on its doorstep.
Sheffield's digital and tech sector is a "Rising Star" in the UK, with high growth rates and significant investment.
The city has a strong educational presence with two major universities, contributing to a vibrant and youthful atmosphere.
Public transport options, including the Supertram and bus network, provide good connectivity throughout the city.
Drawbacks
Sheffield's overall crime rate is slightly above the UK average, and it is considered the most dangerous major city in South Yorkshire.
Average earnings in Sheffield still lag behind some of the UK's southern cities.
Parts of the city still bear the marks of de-industrialization.
The cultural and food scenes, while improving, are smaller than those in larger cities like Manchester or Leeds.
The hilly topography of Sheffield can impact walkability in certain areas.
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.
Sheffield
#16England, UK
61.2 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,185
Avg Salary
$40,400
Cost Index
63
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
65.0/100
Walkability
60.0/100
Sunny Days
234/yr
Avg Temp
52.10°F
Pop. Growth
0.01%
Unemployment
3.40%
Livability
74
Business
68
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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