City Comparison
Union City vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Union City scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Union City
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Binghamton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
36% lower than in Union City.
Housing costs are a major driver: Union City's average rent is
128% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Union City | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,600 | $1,138 | +128% |
| Groceries | $420 | $404 | +4% |
| Utilities | $180 | $194 | -7% |
| Transport | $110 | $312 | -65% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $226 | +2% |
| Monthly Total | $3,540 | $2,274 | +56% |
| Cost Index | 122 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Union City offers 24% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Union City delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Union City is estimated at
$62,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Union City | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $68,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $62,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 55,738 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $64,310 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Union City runs warmer on average — a 54.7°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Union City comes out ahead with 248 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Union City sees 19.3 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Union City | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 54.70°F | °F |
| Summer High | 85.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 24.70°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 42.30 in | in |
| Snowfall | 19.30 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 248 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
8,500 minutes (142 hours) per year compared to Union City.
Union City scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Union City leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Union City | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 33 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 82.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 89.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 58.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Low | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Union City is the larger city
— approximately 1.4x 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 | Union City | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 66,221 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | — | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 37.4 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.60% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Union City
Advantages
Median home property value remains more affordable than neighboring Hoboken and downtown Jersey City per 2024 Census data
Exceptional public transit connectivity featuring direct express buses to Manhattan's Port Authority in under 30 minutes
Highly walkable urban environment with dense commercial corridors like Bergenline Avenue meeting daily needs on foot
Rich cultural vibrancy and culinary diversity anchored by a prominent Hispanic heritage and community events
Proximity to major regional employment centers in New York City and Hudson County without waterfront luxury price tags
Drawbacks
High population density creates severe street parking shortages and competitive parking rules
Rental prices have risen steadily, putting cost pressure on lower-income households in the local market
Limited availability of single-family homes and private green spaces within city limits
A poverty rate exceeding 21% highlights persistent economic challenges among segments of the population
Aged housing stock in older multi-family buildings often requires frequent maintenance and capital repairs
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.
Union City
#550New Jersey, USA
48.4 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,600
Avg Salary
$68,000
Cost Index
122
Commute
33 min
Transit Score
82.0/100
Walkability
89.0/100
Sunny Days
248/yr
Avg Temp
54.70°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.60%
Livability
75
Business
67
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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