City Comparison
Derby vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Derby scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Derby
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Derby is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
6% lower than in Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Derby's average rent is
10% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Derby | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,250 | $1,138 | +10% |
| Groceries | $380 | $404 | -6% |
| Utilities | $170 | $194 | -12% |
| Transport | $115 | $312 | -63% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $226 | +2% |
| Monthly Total | $2,145 | $2,274 | -6% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Derby offers 24% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Derby delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Derby is estimated at
$52,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Derby | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $68,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 73,913 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $82,500 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Derby runs warmer on average — a 58.6°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Derby comes out ahead with 273 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Derby sees 9.5 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Derby | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 58.60°F | °F |
| Summer High | 86.80°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 23.50°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 36.70 in | in |
| Snowfall | 9.50 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 273 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,500 minutes (58 hours) per year compared to Derby.
Derby 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 | Derby | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 23 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 42.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Binghamton is the larger city
— approximately 0.5x the population of Derby.
From a growth perspective, Binghamton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Derby has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Derby | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 25,625 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.80% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 37.5 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 3.50% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Derby
Advantages
Derby Public Schools (USD 260) consistently rank among the top-performing districts in the Wichita metropolitan area.
Violent and property crime rates are substantially lower than the national average, ensuring a secure environment for families.
Madison Avenue Central Park serves as a premier community hub featuring an amphitheater, walking paths, and splash pads.
Proximity to Wichita provides access to major metropolitan job markets and amenities while retaining a quiet suburban feel.
Active commercial growth at the Derby Marketplace has expanded local shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Drawbacks
Public transportation options are extremely limited, resulting in high reliance on personal automobiles.
Property tax rates in Sedgwick County can be relatively high compared to surrounding rural counties.
Summer temperatures can be quite hot and humid, requiring high seasonal utility usage for air conditioning.
The local economy is closely tied to Wichita's aerospace sector, making it somewhat vulnerable to regional industrial shifts.
Nightlife and entertainment options within city limits are more subdued compared to the nearby urban center.
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.
Derby
#52Kansas, USA
70.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,250
Avg Salary
$68,000
Cost Index
92
Commute
23 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
42.0/100
Sunny Days
273/yr
Avg Temp
58.60°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
3.50%
Livability
80
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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