City Comparison
Solingen vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Solingen scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Solingen
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Solingen is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
17% lower than in Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Solingen's average rent is
17% lower than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Solingen | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $950 | $1,138 | -17% |
| Groceries | $420 | $404 | +4% |
| Utilities | $220 | $194 | +13% |
| Transport | $95 | $312 | -70% |
| Healthcare | $200 | $226 | -12% |
| Monthly Total | $1,885 | $2,274 | -17% |
| Cost Index | 88 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 13% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Solingen delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Solingen is estimated at
$42,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Solingen | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $48,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $42,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 54,545 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $49,000 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Solingen runs warmer on average — a 52°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Solingen comes out ahead with 230 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Solingen sees 13.6 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Solingen | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 52.00°F | °F |
| Summer High | 74.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 33.80°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 38.60 in | in |
| Snowfall | 13.60 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 230 | |
| Humidity | 75.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
8,000 minutes (133 hours) per year compared to Solingen.
Solingen scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Solingen leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Solingen | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 32 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 68.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 65.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 48.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Solingen is the larger city
— approximately 3.4x 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 | Solingen | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 160,000 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.20% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 44.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 7.80% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Solingen
Advantages
Rental and property prices remain significantly more affordable than in neighboring Düsseldorf and Cologne.
Extensive green spaces and proximity to the Bergisches Land nature park offer exceptional outdoor recreation.
Rich cultural heritage combined with a charming historic core, particularly in the Gräfrath district.
Strong public transportation connectivity via the regional rail network and local trolleybus system.
Low overall crime rates contribute to a secure and family-friendly living environment.
Drawbacks
Hilly terrain and geographic layout can make cycling and walking challenging in certain districts.
Ongoing demand pressures have driven steady increases in housing and rental costs.
High reliance on commuter corridors can lead to traffic congestion during peak hours on major regional routes.
Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to larger nearby metropolitan hubs.
Local municipal budgets face structural constraints typical of the North Rhine-Westphalia region.
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.
Solingen
#81North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
57.2 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$48,000
Cost Index
88
Commute
32 min
Transit Score
68.0/100
Walkability
65.0/100
Sunny Days
230/yr
Avg Temp
52.00°F
Pop. Growth
0.20%
Unemployment
7.80%
Livability
77
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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