City Comparison
Swift Current vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Swift Current scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Swift Current
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Swift Current is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
17% lower than in Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Swift Current's average rent is
17% lower than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Swift Current | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $950 | $1,138 | -17% |
| Groceries | $400 | $404 | -1% |
| Utilities | $210 | $194 | +8% |
| Transport | $150 | $312 | -52% |
| Healthcare | $180 | $226 | -20% |
| Monthly Total | $1,890 | $2,274 | -17% |
| Cost Index | 85 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 5% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Swift Current delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Swift Current is estimated at
$42,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Swift Current | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $52,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $42,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 61,176 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $65,000 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Swift Current runs warmer on average — a 41.3°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Swift Current comes out ahead with 276 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Swift Current sees 38.3 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Swift Current | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 41.30°F | °F |
| Summer High | 73.20°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 1.90°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 16.30 in | in |
| Snowfall | 38.30 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 276 | |
| Humidity | 60.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Swift Current 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 | Swift Current | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 15 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 52.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 25.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Binghamton is the larger city
— approximately 0.4x the population of Swift Current.
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 | Swift Current | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 16,790 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.80% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 41.5 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 5.20% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Swift Current
Advantages
Housing affordability remains significantly better than the national Canadian average.
Strategic location along the Trans-Canada Highway supports regional commerce and travel.
Low crime rates and a strong sense of community safety.
Abundant recreational facilities, including the Swift Current Creek pathway system.
Strong local economy anchored by agriculture, energy, and healthcare.
Drawbacks
Winters are long and feature harsh sub-zero temperatures requiring preparation.
Limited public transit infrastructure makes car ownership practically essential.
Geographic isolation from major metropolitan centers like Calgary or Regina.
Fewer high-paying corporate headquarters or tech sector employment options.
Limited commercial flight options directly out of the local area.
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.
Swift Current
#19Saskatchewan, Canada
68.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$52,000
Cost Index
85
Commute
15 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
52.0/100
Sunny Days
276/yr
Avg Temp
41.30°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
5.20%
Livability
76
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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