City Comparison
Frankfort vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Frankfort scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Frankfort
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Frankfort is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
12% lower than in Binghamton.
| Metric | Frankfort | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,100 | $1,138 | -3% |
| Groceries | $380 | $404 | -6% |
| Utilities | $175 | $194 | -10% |
| Transport | $115 | $312 | -63% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $226 | +2% |
| Monthly Total | $2,000 | $2,274 | -12% |
| Cost Index | 91 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Frankfort offers 5% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Frankfort delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Frankfort is estimated at
$48,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Frankfort | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $48,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 63,736 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $55,400 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Frankfort runs warmer on average — a 56.3°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Frankfort comes out ahead with 235 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Frankfort sees 19.5 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Frankfort | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 56.30°F | °F |
| Summer High | 84.80°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 25.50°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 55.50 in | in |
| Snowfall | 19.50 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 235 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Frankfort.
Frankfort scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Frankfort leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Frankfort | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 19 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Binghamton is the larger city
— approximately 0.6x the population of Frankfort.
From a growth perspective, Binghamton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Frankfort has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Frankfort | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 28,602 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 39.2 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.20% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Frankfort
Advantages
Median home prices remain significantly more affordable than the national average, per Zillow data.
Short average commute times provide residents with a better daily work-life balance.
Rich historical architecture and scenic Kentucky River backdrop enhance neighborhood aesthetics.
Stable local economy anchored by state government and public administration employment.
Abundant access to parks, outdoor recreation, and the nearby Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
Drawbacks
Public transit options are limited, resulting in high reliance on personal automobiles.
Nightlife and entertainment options are subdued compared to nearby Louisville and Lexington.
Limited high-paying private sector diversification outside of government and healthcare.
humid summer climate can be uncomfortable for those sensitive to high seasonal temperatures.
Limited commercial flight options locally, requiring travel to Lexington or Louisville airports.
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.
Frankfort
#293Kentucky, USA
61.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,100
Avg Salary
$58,000
Cost Index
91
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
235/yr
Avg Temp
56.30°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
75
Business
67
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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