City Comparison
Blenheim vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Blenheim scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Blenheim
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Blenheim is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
9% lower than in Binghamton.
| Metric | Blenheim | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,150 | $1,138 | +1% |
| Groceries | $420 | $404 | +4% |
| Utilities | $180 | $194 | -7% |
| Transport | $110 | $312 | -65% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $226 | -3% |
| Monthly Total | $2,080 | $2,274 | -9% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Blenheim offers 13% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Blenheim delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Blenheim is estimated at
$52,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Blenheim | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $62,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 67,391 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $78,100 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Blenheim runs warmer on average — a 55.8°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Blenheim comes out ahead with 259 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Blenheim sees 0.3 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Blenheim | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 55.80°F | °F |
| Summer High | 55.20°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 53.90°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 39.60 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.30 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 259 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
Blenheim scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Blenheim leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Blenheim | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 16 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 45.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 62.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Binghamton is the larger city
— approximately 0.6x the population of Blenheim.
From a growth perspective, Blenheim 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 | Blenheim | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 29,800 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.90% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 41.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.50% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Blenheim
Advantages
Enjoy one of New Zealand's highest annual sunshine totals, averaging 259 sunny days per year.
Positioned at the heart of New Zealand's premier wine and viticulture region, offering world-class food and wine experiences.
Median home prices and rental costs remain significantly more affordable than in Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch.
Proximity to the stunning Marlborough Sounds provides unparalleled access to boating, fishing, and coastal recreation.
Low crime rates and safe, family-friendly neighborhoods create an exceptionally secure living environment.
Drawbacks
High car dependency due to limited public transportation infrastructure outside the immediate town center.
Seasonal employment fluctuations in viticulture can create transient labor shifts and rental market crunches during harvest.
Limited local options for specialized higher education and advanced career training compared to major metros.
Summer drought conditions and water restrictions can occasionally impact gardening and local agriculture.
Distance from major metropolitan tertiary hospitals requires travel for specialized medical procedures.
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.
Blenheim
#18Blenheim, New Zealand
66.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,150
Avg Salary
$62,000
Cost Index
92
Commute
16 min
Transit Score
45.0/100
Walkability
62.0/100
Sunny Days
259/yr
Avg Temp
55.80°F
Pop. Growth
0.90%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
76
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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