City Comparison
Carrara vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Carrara scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Carrara
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Carrara is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
29% lower than in Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Carrara's average rent is
25% lower than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Carrara | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $850 | $1,138 | -25% |
| Groceries | $380 | $404 | -6% |
| Utilities | $170 | $194 | -12% |
| Transport | $85 | $312 | -73% |
| Healthcare | $120 | $226 | -47% |
| Monthly Total | $1,605 | $2,274 | -29% |
| Cost Index | 78 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 47% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Binghamton delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Carrara is estimated at
$24,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Carrara | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $29,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $24,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 37,179 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $31,500 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Carrara runs warmer on average — a 59.9°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Carrara comes out ahead with 233 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Carrara sees 0.1 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Carrara | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 59.90°F | °F |
| Summer High | 82.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 42.50°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 75.30 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.10 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 233 | |
| Humidity | 72.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Carrara.
Carrara scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Carrara leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Carrara | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 52.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 65.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Carrara is the larger city
— approximately 1.3x 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 | Carrara | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 61,273 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | — | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 48.5 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 7.80% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Carrara
Advantages
World-renowned cultural heritage and artistic history as the global capital of marble
Stunning geographic location bridging the Apuan Alps and the Mediterranean coastline
Significantly more affordable cost of living and housing compared to Florence or Lucca
Exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities including mountain hiking and beach access
Strong sense of community safety and relaxed Tuscan pace of life
Drawbacks
Local economy remains heavily tied to traditional industries with limited corporate diversification
Public transit outside of main rail and bus lines makes car ownership necessary
Summer tourism creates seasonal traffic congestion in coastal districts like Marina di Carrara
Limited high-tech or corporate white-collar job market locally
Some historic properties require significant renovation investment
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.
Carrara
#93Tuscany, Italy
62.2 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$850
Avg Salary
$29,000
Cost Index
78
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
52.0/100
Walkability
65.0/100
Sunny Days
233/yr
Avg Temp
59.90°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
7.80%
Livability
78
Business
64
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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