City Comparison
Bridgeport vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Bridgeport scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Bridgeport
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Binghamton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
23% lower than in Bridgeport.
Housing costs are a major driver: Bridgeport's average rent is
76% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Bridgeport | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,000 | $1,138 | +76% |
| Groceries | $400 | $404 | -1% |
| Utilities | $180 | $194 | -7% |
| Transport | $120 | $312 | -62% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $226 | +11% |
| Monthly Total | $2,950 | $2,274 | +30% |
| Cost Index | 105 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Bridgeport offers 35% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Bridgeport delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Bridgeport is estimated at
$60,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Bridgeport | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $74,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $60,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 70,476 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $58,685 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Bridgeport runs warmer on average — a 53.2°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Bridgeport comes out ahead with 248 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Bridgeport sees 20.6 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Bridgeport | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 53.20°F | °F |
| Summer High | 81.40°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 24.20°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 43.10 in | in |
| Snowfall | 20.60 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 248 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
6,000 minutes (100 hours) per year compared to Bridgeport.
Bridgeport scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Bridgeport leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Bridgeport | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 62.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 65.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 52.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Bridgeport is the larger city
— approximately 3.2x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Binghamton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Binghamton has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Bridgeport | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,153 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.61% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 36.7 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.50% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Bridgeport
Advantages
Average rent of $2,000 per month remains significantly lower than neighboring Fairfield County towns per Zillow 2026 data
Direct Metro-North rail connection provides streamlined commuting to New York City and Stamford
Vibrant entertainment venues like the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater drive a lively local arts scene
Extensive coastal park system designed by Frederick Law Olmsted offers abundant green space and waterfront access
Rich cultural diversity creates a dynamic community fabric with exceptional local dining and markets
Drawbacks
Overall property tax rates remain among the highest in the state, impacting local homeowners
Violent and property crime rates in certain pockets exceed national averages
Public school performance indices lag behind state averages, creating challenges for families
Local poverty rate remains elevated at approximately 21% per U.S. Census Bureau estimates
Traffic congestion along the I-95 corridor during peak hours causes frequent commuting delays
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.
Bridgeport
#570Connecticut, USA
46.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,000
Avg Salary
$74,000
Cost Index
105
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
62.0/100
Walkability
65.0/100
Sunny Days
248/yr
Avg Temp
53.20°F
Pop. Growth
0.61%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
70
Business
65
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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