City Comparison
Elizabeth vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Elizabeth scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Elizabeth
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Binghamton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
19% lower than in Elizabeth.
Housing costs are a major driver: Elizabeth's average rent is
68% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Elizabeth | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,916 | $1,138 | +68% |
| Groceries | $400 | $404 | -1% |
| Utilities | $180 | $194 | -7% |
| Transport | $90 | $312 | -71% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $226 | +2% |
| Monthly Total | $2,816 | $2,274 | +24% |
| Cost Index | 105 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elizabeth offers 18% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Elizabeth delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Elizabeth is estimated at
$55,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Elizabeth | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 61,905 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $66,555 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Elizabeth runs warmer on average — a 54.8°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Elizabeth comes out ahead with 249 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Elizabeth sees 19.1 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Elizabeth | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 54.80°F | °F |
| Summer High | 84.30°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 25.00°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 43.10 in | in |
| Snowfall | 19.10 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 249 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,500 minutes (92 hours) per year compared to Elizabeth.
Elizabeth scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Elizabeth leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Elizabeth | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 27 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 75.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 70.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 58.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Elizabeth is the larger city
— approximately 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 | Elizabeth | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 141,675 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.87% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 35.8 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 6.10% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Elizabeth
Advantages
Median household income grew by 4.2% to $66,555 per the U.S. Census Bureau.
Exceptional public transit connectivity via NJ Transit rail and bus networks linking directly to New York City.
Strategic economic location adjacent to Newark Liberty International Airport and major port logistics hubs.
Vibrant multicultural community featuring diverse global dining, local markets, and cultural festivals.
Proximity to major higher education institutions, including Kean University located nearby in Union County.
Drawbacks
Poverty rate stands at approximately 15.7%, presenting ongoing socioeconomic challenges for a portion of residents.
High regional property taxes and housing costs typical of the New York metropolitan commuter zone.
Persistent urban traffic congestion along major freight corridors and highway intersections like Routes 1 and 9.
Limited single-family home inventory, leading to a highly competitive housing and rental market.
Industrial density in certain sectors contributes to localized environmental and air quality concerns.
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.
Elizabeth
#468New Jersey, USA
54.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,916
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
105
Commute
27 min
Transit Score
75.0/100
Walkability
70.0/100
Sunny Days
249/yr
Avg Temp
54.80°F
Pop. Growth
0.87%
Unemployment
6.10%
Livability
73
Business
69
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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