City Comparison
Vernon vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Vernon scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Vernon
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Binghamton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
4% lower than in Vernon.
Housing costs are a major driver: Vernon's average rent is
27% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Vernon | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,450 | $1,138 | +27% |
| Groceries | $420 | $404 | +4% |
| Utilities | $160 | $194 | -18% |
| Transport | $110 | $312 | -65% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $226 | -3% |
| Monthly Total | $2,360 | $2,274 | +4% |
| Cost Index | 98 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Vernon offers 5% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Vernon delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Vernon is estimated at
$52,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Vernon | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 59,184 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $65,000 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Vernon runs warmer on average — a 51.5°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Vernon comes out ahead with 273 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Vernon sees 34.8 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Vernon | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 51.50°F | °F |
| Summer High | 82.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 24.50°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 19.20 in | in |
| Snowfall | 34.80 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 273 | |
| Humidity | 60.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
Vernon scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Vernon leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Vernon | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 18 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Binghamton is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Vernon 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 | Vernon | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 44,500 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.50% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 47.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 5.20% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Vernon
Advantages
Proximity to world-class outdoor recreation, including SilverStar Mountain Resort and Kalamalka Lake.
A favorable climate with warm summers and distinct, manageable winters compared to other Canadian regions.
A thriving local arts, culture, and farm-to-table culinary scene tied to the Okanagan Valley.
Robust regional healthcare infrastructure anchored by the Vernon Jubilee Hospital.
A strong sense of community and family-friendly atmosphere with active neighborhood associations.
Drawbacks
Housing affordability has decreased significantly due to high demand and inward migration.
Public transit options are limited outside of core urban routes, leading to high car dependency.
Job market opportunities in specialized tech or corporate sectors can be limited locally compared to major metros.
Seasonal wildfire smoke from regional forest fires can impact summer air quality and outdoor activities.
Property crime rates, particularly petty theft and bike thefts, remain a localized challenge.
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.
Vernon
#53British Columbia, Canada
59.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$58,000
Cost Index
98
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
273/yr
Avg Temp
51.50°F
Pop. Growth
1.50%
Unemployment
5.20%
Livability
80
Business
68
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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