City Comparison
Brighton vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Brighton scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Brighton
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Binghamton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
16% lower than in Brighton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Brighton's average rent is
54% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Brighton | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,750 | $1,138 | +54% |
| Groceries | $420 | $404 | +4% |
| Utilities | $170 | $194 | -12% |
| Transport | $130 | $312 | -58% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $226 | +6% |
| Monthly Total | $2,710 | $2,274 | +19% |
| Cost Index | 102 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Brighton offers 29% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Brighton delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Brighton is estimated at
$60,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Brighton | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $71,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $60,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 69,608 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $85,000 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Brighton runs warmer on average — a 53°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Brighton comes out ahead with 282 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Brighton sees 23.3 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Brighton | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 53.00°F | °F |
| Summer High | 85.80°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 20.10°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 17.10 in | in |
| Snowfall | 23.30 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 282 | |
| Humidity | 48.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
6,500 minutes (108 hours) per year compared to Brighton.
Brighton 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 | Brighton | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 29 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 45.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 52.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Binghamton is the larger city
— approximately 0.9x the population of Brighton.
From a growth perspective, Brighton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Brighton has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Brighton | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 41,543 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.10% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 35.5 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 3.80% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Brighton
Advantages
Median home prices and rental rates offer better affordability compared to downtown Denver and Boulder.
Abundant outdoor recreation options including over 30 city parks and the Adams County Fairgrounds.
Strategic location along I-76 and US-85 provides convenient access to Denver International Airport and the broader metro area.
Strong sense of community highlighted by popular annual local events, farmers markets, and historic downtown revitalization.
Family-friendly neighborhoods with growing educational facilities and youth community programs.
Drawbacks
High reliance on personal vehicles leads to significant commuter traffic on major highways during peak hours.
Rapid regional growth has placed upward pressure on housing costs and infrastructure development.
Limited high-end nightlife and entertainment options directly within city limits compared to central Denver.
Weather variability with occasional heavy spring snowstorms and dry summer conditions affecting local landscaping.
Public transit coverage is limited outside of commuter bus lines and major arterial corridors.
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.
Brighton
#155Colorado, USA
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,750
Avg Salary
$71,000
Cost Index
102
Commute
29 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
45.0/100
Sunny Days
282/yr
Avg Temp
53.00°F
Pop. Growth
2.10%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
75
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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