City Comparison
Bismarck vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Bismarck scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Bismarck
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Bismarck is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
19% lower than in Binghamton.
| Metric | Bismarck | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,150 | $1,138 | +1% |
| Groceries | $420 | $404 | +4% |
| Utilities | $170 | $194 | -12% |
| Transport | $110 | $312 | -65% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $226 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $1,850 | $2,274 | -19% |
| Cost Index | 96 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Bismarck offers 16% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Bismarck delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Bismarck is estimated at
$52,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Bismarck | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $64,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 66,667 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $76,500 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Bismarck runs warmer on average — a 44.7°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Bismarck comes out ahead with 279 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Bismarck sees 24.3 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Bismarck | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 44.70°F | °F |
| Summer High | 78.30°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 3.90°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 29.60 in | in |
| Snowfall | 24.30 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 279 | |
| Humidity | 64.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
Bismarck 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 | Bismarck | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 16 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 42.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Bismarck is the larger city
— approximately 1.6x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Bismarck is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Bismarck has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Bismarck | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 74,131 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.10% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 38.5 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 2.50% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Bismarck
Advantages
Median home prices remain more affordable than the national average per recent regional housing reports.
Unemployment rates consistently track well below the national average due to a stable government and healthcare base.
Exceptional public safety with violent and property crime rates remaining significantly below national norms.
Short average commute times of under 20 minutes enhance daily work-life balance.
Abundant outdoor recreation access along the Missouri River and extensive local park systems.
Drawbacks
Severe winter weather brings prolonged freezing temperatures and significant snowfall that can disrupt travel.
Geographic isolation limits proximity to major metropolitan hubs and entertainment centers.
Limited public transit infrastructure makes owning a personal vehicle virtually mandatory.
Heating and utility costs spike during harsh winter months.
Air travel options from Bismarck Municipal Airport can involve layovers and higher ticket prices.
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.
Bismarck
#65North Dakota, USA
69.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,150
Avg Salary
$64,000
Cost Index
96
Commute
16 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
42.0/100
Sunny Days
279/yr
Avg Temp
44.70°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
2.50%
Livability
78
Business
71
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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