City Comparison
Stockton vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Stockton scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Stockton
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Binghamton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
13% lower than in Stockton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Stockton's average rent is
47% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Stockton | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,677 | $1,138 | +47% |
| Groceries | $400 | $404 | -1% |
| Utilities | $180 | $194 | -7% |
| Transport | $130 | $312 | -58% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $226 | +6% |
| Monthly Total | $2,627 | $2,274 | +16% |
| Cost Index | 105 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Stockton offers 13% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Stockton delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Stockton is estimated at
$58,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Stockton | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $62,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $58,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 59,048 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $79,907 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Stockton runs warmer on average — a 63.3°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Stockton comes out ahead with 319 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Stockton sees 0 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Stockton | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 63.30°F | °F |
| Summer High | 91.80°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 41.70°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 22.70 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 319 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
7,000 minutes (117 hours) per year compared to Stockton.
Stockton 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 | Stockton | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 30 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 48.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 52.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 55.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Stockton is the larger city
— approximately 6.9x 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 | Stockton | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 324,597 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.80% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 33.9 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 7.20% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Stockton
Advantages
Median home prices and rental rates are substantially more affordable than nearby coastal California metropolitan regions.
Strategic location along major logistics corridors, rail lines, and the Port of Stockton supports robust employment in supply chain and distribution.
Rich cultural and ethnic diversity reflected in local community life, festivals, and dining options.
Presence of reputable higher education institutions like the University of the Pacific and San Joaquin Delta College.
Proximity to the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta provides extensive outdoor recreation, boating, and fishing opportunities.
Drawbacks
Crime rates, both property and violent, historically track above national medians across several city sectors.
Local unemployment rates frequently run higher than the national and statewide averages.
High car dependency and regional commuter traffic congestion along major corridors like Interstate 5.
Air quality in the Central Valley basin can experience seasonal challenges during summer months and wildfire seasons.
Certain localized health professional shortages exist within San Joaquin County medical sectors.
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.
Stockton
#564California, USA
47.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,677
Avg Salary
$62,000
Cost Index
105
Commute
30 min
Transit Score
48.0/100
Walkability
52.0/100
Sunny Days
319/yr
Avg Temp
63.30°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
7.20%
Livability
68
Business
66
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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