City Comparison
Hempstead vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Hempstead scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Hempstead
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Binghamton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
32% lower than in Hempstead.
Housing costs are a major driver: Hempstead's average rent is
93% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Hempstead | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,200 | $1,138 | +93% |
| Groceries | $480 | $404 | +19% |
| Utilities | $210 | $194 | +8% |
| Transport | $150 | $312 | -52% |
| Healthcare | $280 | $226 | +24% |
| Monthly Total | $3,320 | $2,274 | +46% |
| Cost Index | 135 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Hempstead offers 42% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Hempstead delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Hempstead is estimated at
$72,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Hempstead | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $78,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $72,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 57,778 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $125,000 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Hempstead runs warmer on average — a 54°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Hempstead comes out ahead with 249 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Hempstead sees 18.8 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Hempstead | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 54.00°F | °F |
| Summer High | 82.90°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 24.80°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 45.10 in | in |
| Snowfall | 18.80 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 249 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
9,000 minutes (150 hours) per year compared to Hempstead.
Hempstead scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Hempstead leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Hempstead | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 34 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 62.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 65.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Hempstead is the larger city
— approximately 17x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Binghamton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Hempstead has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Hempstead | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 793,409 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.40% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 39.5 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 3.60% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Hempstead
Advantages
Proximity to New York City via the Long Island Rail Road provides excellent commuter access.
Diverse and vibrant local community with rich cultural events and dining.
Abundant parks, recreational facilities, and proximity to Long Island's South Shore beaches.
Strong local employment sectors in education, healthcare, and professional services.
Presence of higher education institutions like Hofstra University enriching the local intellectual climate.
Drawbacks
Significantly higher cost of living and housing expenses compared to the U.S. national average.
High property taxes across Nassau County impacting homeowners.
Traffic congestion during peak commuting hours on major local parkways and roadways.
Competitive housing market with high demand limiting affordable options.
Higher than average utility and everyday consumer goods costs.
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.
Hempstead
#510New York, USA
52.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,200
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
135
Commute
34 min
Transit Score
62.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
249/yr
Avg Temp
54.00°F
Pop. Growth
0.40%
Unemployment
3.60%
Livability
73
Business
68
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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