City Comparison
Chicago vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Chicago scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Chicago
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Binghamton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
26% lower than in Chicago.
Housing costs are a major driver: Chicago's average rent is
80% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Chicago | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,050 | $1,138 | +80% |
| Groceries | $450 | $404 | +11% |
| Utilities | $175 | $194 | -10% |
| Transport | $130 | $312 | -58% |
| Healthcare | $260 | $226 | +15% |
| Monthly Total | $3,065 | $2,274 | +35% |
| Cost Index | 118 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Chicago offers 42% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Chicago delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Chicago is estimated at
$60,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Chicago | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $78,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $60,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 66,102 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $76,223 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Chicago runs warmer on average — a 51.4°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Chicago comes out ahead with 260 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Chicago sees 28.5 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Chicago | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 51.40°F | °F |
| Summer High | 81.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 19.00°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 32.80 in | in |
| Snowfall | 28.50 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 260 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
8,000 minutes (133 hours) per year compared to Chicago.
Chicago scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Chicago leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Chicago | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 32 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 75.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 78.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 55.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Chicago is the larger city
— approximately 57x 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 | Chicago | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,665,000 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | — | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 35.5 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.80% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Chicago
Advantages
Extensive and reliable public transit network via the CTA 'L' trains and buses covering the entire city
World-class cultural attractions, including the Art Institute of Chicago and world-renowned dining options
18 miles of continuous public lakefront trail and numerous sandy beaches along Lake Michigan
Significantly more affordable housing compared to coastal tech hubs like New York and San Francisco
Diverse and resilient economy anchored by multiple Fortune 500 headquarters and major financial institutions
Drawbacks
Severe winter weather with freezing temperatures and significant snowfall averaging 28.5 inches annually
High property and sales taxes that contribute to a higher overall cost of living burden
Persistent violent crime challenges concentrated in specific neighborhoods on the south and west sides
Heavy traffic congestion on major expressways during peak morning and evening commuting hours
State pension obligations and local fiscal deficits that put pressure on municipal services and taxation
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.
Chicago
#531Illinois, USA
50.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,050
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
118
Commute
32 min
Transit Score
75.0/100
Walkability
78.0/100
Sunny Days
260/yr
Avg Temp
51.40°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.80%
Livability
78
Business
74
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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