City Comparison
Ashland vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Ashland scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Ashland
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Ashland is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
22% lower than in Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Ashland's average rent is
25% lower than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Ashland | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $850 | $1,138 | -25% |
| Groceries | $400 | $404 | -1% |
| Utilities | $180 | $194 | -7% |
| Transport | $120 | $312 | -62% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $226 | -3% |
| Monthly Total | $1,770 | $2,274 | -22% |
| Cost Index | 82 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 5% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Ashland delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Ashland is estimated at
$42,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Ashland | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $52,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $42,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 63,415 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $52,715 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Ashland runs warmer on average — a 56.5°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Ashland comes out ahead with 238 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Ashland sees 23.9 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Ashland | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 56.50°F | °F |
| Summer High | 85.40°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 24.30°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 42.30 in | in |
| Snowfall | 23.90 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 238 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Ashland.
Ashland 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 | Ashland | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 38.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 52.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Binghamton is the larger city
— approximately 0.5x the population of Ashland.
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 | Ashland | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 21,295 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | — | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 40.7 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 5.50% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Ashland
Advantages
Average rent of $850 per month is nearly 50% lower than the national average per Zillow data
Median home values and overall cost of living index sit well below the U.S. average
Serves as a designated regional healthcare and commercial hub for northeastern Kentucky
Rich cultural amenities including the historic Paramount Arts Center and expansive Central Park
Short average commute times and minimal traffic congestion compared to major metro areas
Drawbacks
Median household income of $52,715 trails behind state and national benchmarks per U.S. Census Bureau data
Job growth has remained flat with historical population contraction trends
High reliance on automobile transportation due to limited public transit infrastructure
Limited high-tech or diverse corporate industry sectors within city limits
Poverty rates remain elevated relative to the broader 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.
Ashland
#394Kentucky, USA
58.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$850
Avg Salary
$52,000
Cost Index
82
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
38.0/100
Walkability
52.0/100
Sunny Days
238/yr
Avg Temp
56.50°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
5.50%
Livability
72
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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