City Comparison
Federal Way vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Federal Way scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Federal Way
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Binghamton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
24% lower than in Federal Way.
Housing costs are a major driver: Federal Way's average rent is
71% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Federal Way | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,950 | $1,138 | +71% |
| Groceries | $480 | $404 | +19% |
| Utilities | $175 | $194 | -10% |
| Transport | $130 | $312 | -58% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $226 | +6% |
| Monthly Total | $2,975 | $2,274 | +31% |
| Cost Index | 118 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Federal Way offers 31% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Federal Way delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Federal Way is estimated at
$62,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Federal Way | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $72,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $62,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 61,017 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $82,500 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Federal Way runs warmer on average — a 53.2°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Federal Way comes out ahead with 231 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Federal Way sees 14.4 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Federal Way | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 53.20°F | °F |
| Summer High | 77.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 34.50°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 53.80 in | in |
| Snowfall | 14.40 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 231 | |
| Humidity | 72.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
8,000 minutes (133 hours) per year compared to Federal Way.
Federal Way 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 | Federal Way | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 32 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 52.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 48.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 65.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Federal Way is the larger city
— approximately 2.2x 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 | Federal Way | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 101,030 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.80% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 36.5 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.50% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Federal Way
Advantages
Exceptional ethnic and cultural diversity reflected in local community events and authentic dining.
Proximity to world-class outdoor recreation, including Dash Point State Park and Puget Sound access.
Home to the renowned Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center, a premier regional athletic facility.
Strategic location along I-5 providing commuting access to both Seattle and Tacoma.
More affordable housing options compared to core Seattle and Bellevue markets.
Drawbacks
Traffic congestion along Interstate 5 and major state routes during peak commuting hours.
Property crime rates that remain slightly above the national suburban average.
High cost of living and housing appreciation driven by broader King County economic pressures.
Car dependency in many suburban neighborhoods limiting pedestrian convenience.
Variable walkability outside of designated commercial and downtown zones.
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.
Federal Way
#508Washington, USA
52.2 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,950
Avg Salary
$72,000
Cost Index
118
Commute
32 min
Transit Score
52.0/100
Walkability
48.0/100
Sunny Days
231/yr
Avg Temp
53.20°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
4.50%
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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