City Comparison
Anderson vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Anderson scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Anderson
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Anderson is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
3% lower than in Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Anderson's average rent is
16% lower than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Anderson | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $957 | $1,138 | -16% |
| Groceries | $401 | $404 | -1% |
| Utilities | $180 | $194 | -7% |
| Transport | $381 | $312 | +22% |
| Healthcare | $276 | $226 | +22% |
| Monthly Total | $2,195 | $2,274 | -3% |
| Cost Index | 84 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 9% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Anderson delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Anderson is estimated at
$34,800 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Anderson | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $50,050 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $34,800 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 59,583 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $46,909 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Anderson runs warmer on average — a 52.8°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Anderson comes out ahead with 241 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Anderson sees 19.4 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Anderson | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 52.80°F | °F |
| Summer High | 82.50°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 19.90°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 36.20 in | in |
| Snowfall | 19.40 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 241 | |
| Humidity | 73.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,500 minutes (75 hours) per year compared to Anderson.
Anderson 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 | Anderson | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 40.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 47.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Anderson is the larger city
— approximately 1.2x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Binghamton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Anderson has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Anderson | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 56,404 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.45% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 38.9 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 3.70% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Anderson
Advantages
Housing costs are significantly lower than the national average, making homeownership more accessible.
The overall cost of living in Anderson is 16% lower than the national average.
The city offers practical access to jobs and regional commuting convenience due to its location on the I-69 corridor.
Healthcare costs are more affordable than the US average, with two local hospitals providing comprehensive services.
Anderson has a diverse range of local amenities, parks, and cultural attractions, contributing to a balanced lifestyle.
Drawbacks
The median household income in Anderson is lower than the national and state averages.
The poverty rate in Anderson is higher than the state average.
While public transit exists, the city is largely car-dependent, with most residents driving to work.
Rent prices have seen a recent increase, with a 6.4% rise year over year as of October 2026.
The average salary in Anderson is lower than the national average.
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.
Anderson
#109Indiana, USA
67.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$957
Avg Salary
$50,050
Cost Index
84
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
40.0/100
Walkability
47.0/100
Sunny Days
241/yr
Avg Temp
52.80°F
Pop. Growth
0.45%
Unemployment
3.70%
Livability
74
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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