Performance
Score Breakdown
Summerside
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Summerside is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
35% lower compared to Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Summerside's average rent is
22% lower than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Summerside | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $882 | $1,138 | -22% |
| Groceries | $312 | $404 | -23% |
| Utilities | $186 | $194 | -4% |
| Transport | $46 | $312 | -85% |
| Healthcare | $50 | $226 | -78% |
| Monthly Total | $1,476 | $2,274 | -35% |
| Cost Index | 99 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 44% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Binghamton delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Summerside is estimated at
$35,280 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Summerside | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $30,659 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $35,280 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 30,969 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $45,050 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Summerside | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 78.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Summerside.
Summerside 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 | Summerside | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 40.0/10 | 33.0/10 |
| Walkability | 26.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Binghamton is the larger city
— approximately 0.4x the population of Summerside.
From a growth perspective, Summerside 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 | Summerside | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 19,557 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.90% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 44.9 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 7.60% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Summerside
Advantages
Growing economy with diversification into aerospace, IT, and renewable energy sectors.
Lower housing costs compared to many larger Canadian cities, attracting retirees and remote workers.
Strong sense of community and welcoming environment.
Access to local produce and seafood, contributing to a good quality of life.
Municipally owned electric utility, demonstrating leadership in green energy initiatives.
Drawbacks
Summerside's crime rates are significantly higher than the national average, particularly for property and violent crimes.
The city is largely car-dependent due to limited public transit options.
Average salaries in Summerside are lower than the Canadian national average.
The unemployment rate in Prince Edward Island (and by extension, Summerside) is higher than the national average.
Housing affordability is becoming a concern, with incomes lagging behind rising home prices, making it challenging for some residents.
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.
Summerside
#24Prince Edward Island, Canada
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$882
Avg Salary
$30,659
Cost Index
99
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
40.0/10
Walkability
26.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.90%
Unemployment
7.60%
Livability
70
Business
72
Binghamton
#89New York, USA
65.0 / 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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