City Comparison
Williston vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Williston scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Williston
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Williston is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
3% lower than in Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Williston's average rent is
10% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Williston | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,249 | $1,138 | +10% |
| Groceries | $400 | $404 | -1% |
| Utilities | $180 | $194 | -7% |
| Transport | $120 | $312 | -62% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $226 | +11% |
| Monthly Total | $2,199 | $2,274 | -3% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 18% 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 Williston is estimated at
$43,956 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Williston | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $45,046 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $43,956 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 47,417 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $79,381 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Williston runs warmer on average — a 43.5°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Williston comes out ahead with 288 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Williston sees 23 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Williston | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 43.50°F | °F |
| Summer High | 77.40°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 2.10°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 17.80 in | in |
| Snowfall | 23.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 288 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
Binghamton 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 | Williston | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 18 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 30.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Binghamton is the larger city
— approximately 0.6x the population of Williston.
From a growth perspective, Binghamton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Williston has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Williston | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 29,401 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | — | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 32.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 2.50% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Williston
Advantages
The unemployment rate in Williston is significantly lower than the national average, standing at 2.50% in August 2026.
Williston offers a relatively short average commute time of 17.6 minutes, less than the national average.
The city provides ample outdoor recreation opportunities, including access to the Missouri River and Lake Sakakawea for water sports, fishing, and hunting.
The average rent in Williston is 34% lower than the national average, making it a more affordable place to live for renters.
Williston has a strong sense of community and friendly residents, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.
Drawbacks
The overall crime rate in Williston is 29.9% higher than the national average, with a violent crime rate 21.8% higher.
Public transportation options are limited, making the city highly car-dependent.
Some residents express concerns about safety, particularly regarding walking alone at night.
While growing, the city is noted by some as lacking in diverse attractions and shopping compared to larger cities.
The population has shown a recent annual decline of -0.41%, suggesting a potential slowdown in growth.
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.
Williston
#293North Dakota, USA
61.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,249
Avg Salary
$45,046
Cost Index
95
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
20.0/100
Walkability
30.0/100
Sunny Days
288/yr
Avg Temp
43.50°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
2.50%
Livability
70
Business
75
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
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Williston and Binghamton.
Open Cost Calculator