City Comparison
Altoona vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Altoona scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Altoona
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Altoona is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
17% lower than in Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Altoona's average rent is
12% lower than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Altoona | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,000 | $1,138 | -12% |
| Groceries | $380 | $404 | -6% |
| Utilities | $175 | $194 | -10% |
| Transport | $110 | $312 | -65% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $226 | -3% |
| Monthly Total | $1,885 | $2,274 | -17% |
| Cost Index | 82 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 5% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Altoona delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Altoona is estimated at
$45,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Altoona | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $52,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 63,415 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $51,250 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Altoona runs warmer on average — a 51.1°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Altoona comes out ahead with 227 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Altoona sees 25.3 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Altoona | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 51.10°F | °F |
| Summer High | 80.10°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 20.00°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 41.50 in | in |
| Snowfall | 25.30 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 227 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Altoona.
Altoona 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 | Altoona | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 19 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 52.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 35.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Binghamton is the larger city
— approximately 0.9x the population of Altoona.
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 | Altoona | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 43,196 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | — | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 40.4 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.50% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Altoona
Advantages
Median home property values in Altoona remain exceptionally affordable at roughly $161,000 per Zillow and Census data.
Average monthly rent is approximately $1,000, sitting roughly 40% below the national average per Zillow.
Average commute times are short, typically hovering around 18 to 20 minutes per U.S. Census Bureau data.
Proximity to stunning outdoor recreational destinations like the Horseshoe Curve and Canoe Creek State Park.
Low violent crime rates provide a peaceful and secure environment for families and retirees.
Drawbacks
Economic growth and population trends show a slight multi-year decline per U.S. Census Bureau estimates.
Median household income trails both state and national benchmarks significantly.
Limited high-paying corporate or advanced tech job opportunities locally compared to larger metro areas.
Public transit options are relatively limited, making owning a personal vehicle virtually essential.
winters bring cold temperatures and heavy seasonal snowfall requiring winterized preparation.
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.
Altoona
#285Pennsylvania, USA
61.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,000
Avg Salary
$52,000
Cost Index
82
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
52.0/100
Sunny Days
227/yr
Avg Temp
51.10°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
73
Business
62
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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