City Comparison
High Point vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
High Point scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
High Point
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
High Point is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
1% lower than in Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: High Point's average rent is
17% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | High Point | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,330 | $1,138 | +17% |
| Groceries | $390 | $404 | -3% |
| Utilities | $175 | $194 | -10% |
| Transport | $115 | $312 | -63% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $226 | +2% |
| Monthly Total | $2,240 | $2,274 | -1% |
| Cost Index | 93 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 5% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, High Point delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in High Point is estimated at
$48,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | High Point | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $52,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $48,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 55,914 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $64,561 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
High Point runs warmer on average — a 60.4°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, High Point comes out ahead with 259 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — High Point sees 3.6 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | High Point | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 60.40°F | °F |
| Summer High | 84.90°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 31.90°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 37.80 in | in |
| Snowfall | 3.60 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 259 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to High Point.
High Point 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 | High Point | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 45.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
High Point is the larger city
— approximately 2.6x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, High Point 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 | High Point | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 120,571 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.80% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 37.7 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.60% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
High Point
Advantages
Median home values and overall cost of living run roughly 7% to 29% below the national average per U.S. Census data.
Rapid downtown revitalization featuring the Truist Point stadium district has sparked millions in private investments.
Shorter average commute times than the national norm, easing daily travel across the Piedmont Triad.
Home to the renowned High Point Market, driving international commerce, tourism, and local business exposure.
Strategic central North Carolina location providing easy access to major mountains and coastal destinations.
Drawbacks
Poverty rate sits slightly above the national average at approximately 15.7% according to recent Census figures.
High reliance on personal vehicles due to limited public transit coverage outside core routes.
Average individual and household incomes trail behind national benchmarks, mirroring broader regional wage trends.
Fluctuations in traditional furniture manufacturing sectors can create localized employment shifts.
Property crime rates in certain urban pockets require ongoing municipal intervention and policing strategies.
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.
High Point
#209North Carolina, USA
63.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,330
Avg Salary
$52,000
Cost Index
93
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
45.0/100
Sunny Days
259/yr
Avg Temp
60.40°F
Pop. Growth
1.80%
Unemployment
4.60%
Livability
73
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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