Performance
Score Breakdown
Vancouver
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Binghamton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
10% higher compared to Vancouver.
Housing costs are a major driver: Vancouver's average rent is
61% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Vancouver | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,830 | $1,138 | +61% |
| Groceries | $352 | $404 | -13% |
| Utilities | $113 | $194 | -42% |
| Transport | $96 | $312 | -69% |
| Healthcare | $105 | $226 | -54% |
| Monthly Total | $2,496 | $2,274 | +10% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 20% 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 Vancouver is estimated at
$79,500 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Vancouver | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $43,896 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $79,500 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 46,206 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $57,728 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Vancouver | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 71.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
6,000 minutes (100 hours) per year compared to Vancouver.
Vancouver scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Vancouver leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Vancouver | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 33.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Vancouver is the larger city
— approximately 14.2x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Vancouver 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 | Vancouver | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 662,248 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 3.10% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 38.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 6.70% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $158.0B | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Vancouver
Advantages
Vancouver boasts a high quality of life, consistently ranking among the most livable cities globally due to its natural beauty and urban amenities.
The city has a diverse and growing economy, with strong sectors in technology, film, and tourism, offering various job opportunities.
Vancouver offers extensive outdoor recreational opportunities, including access to mountains, beaches, and parks for hiking, skiing, and water sports.
The public transportation system is comprehensive and efficient, making it possible to navigate the city without a car.
The city is highly walkable and bike-friendly, promoting an active and healthy lifestyle.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Vancouver is exceptionally high, particularly for housing, making it one of the least affordable cities.
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Vancouver is around $2,399 CAD per month as of July 2026.
Traffic congestion can be a significant issue, especially during peak hours, despite good public transit options.
The median household income in Vancouver, at $82,000 CAD, may not fully offset the high cost of living for all residents.
While the job market is growing, the cost of commercial rent and high labor costs contribute to expensive dining out experiences.
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.
Vancouver
#13British Columbia, Canada
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,830
Avg Salary
$43,896
Cost Index
95
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
3.10%
Unemployment
6.70%
Livability
74
Business
68
Binghamton
#90New 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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