City Comparison
Brick vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Brick scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Brick
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Binghamton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
28% lower than in Brick.
Housing costs are a major driver: Brick's average rent is
89% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Brick | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,150 | $1,138 | +89% |
| Groceries | $460 | $404 | +14% |
| Utilities | $195 | $194 | +1% |
| Transport | $140 | $312 | -55% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $226 | +2% |
| Monthly Total | $3,175 | $2,274 | +40% |
| Cost Index | 118 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Brick offers 24% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Brick delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Brick is estimated at
$62,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Brick | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $68,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $62,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 57,627 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $94,850 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Brick runs warmer on average — a 55.4°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Brick comes out ahead with 244 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Brick sees 15.1 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Brick | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 55.40°F | °F |
| Summer High | 81.90°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 26.90°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 40.70 in | in |
| Snowfall | 15.10 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 244 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
7,500 minutes (125 hours) per year compared to Brick.
Binghamton 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 | Brick | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 31 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 32.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 36.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 52.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Brick is the larger city
— approximately 1.6x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Binghamton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Brick has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Brick | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 73,620 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.40% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 44.5 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.20% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Brick
Advantages
Proximity to Jersey Shore beaches such as Point Pleasant and Mantoloking
Extensive waterfront access with boating and lagoon living along the Metedeconk River
Violent and property crime rates significantly below the US national average
Presence of Ocean Medical Center providing top-tier local healthcare access
High rate of homeownership and established suburban neighborhoods
Drawbacks
High property taxes typical of the New Jersey suburban market
Significant car dependency with limited public transit infrastructure within town
Seasonal traffic congestion along Route 70 and Route 88 during summer months
Rising housing costs and competitive rental market driven by coastal demand
Vulnerability to coastal storms and flooding in low-lying waterfront zones
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.
Brick
#365New Jersey, USA
59.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,150
Avg Salary
$68,000
Cost Index
118
Commute
31 min
Transit Score
32.0/100
Walkability
36.0/100
Sunny Days
244/yr
Avg Temp
55.40°F
Pop. Growth
0.40%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
79
Business
70
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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