City Comparison
Hot Springs vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Hot Springs scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Hot Springs
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Hot Springs is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
10% lower than in Binghamton.
| Metric | Hot Springs | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,150 | $1,138 | +1% |
| Groceries | $380 | $404 | -6% |
| Utilities | $175 | $194 | -10% |
| Transport | $110 | $312 | -65% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $226 | +2% |
| Monthly Total | $2,045 | $2,274 | -10% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 13% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Hot Springs delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Hot Springs is estimated at
$42,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Hot Springs | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $48,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $42,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 52,174 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $47,760 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Hot Springs runs warmer on average — a 64.9°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Hot Springs comes out ahead with 264 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Hot Springs sees 9.4 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Hot Springs | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 64.90°F | °F |
| Summer High | 90.90°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 35.00°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 46.40 in | in |
| Snowfall | 9.40 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 264 | |
| 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 Hot Springs.
Hot Springs scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Hot Springs leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Hot Springs | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Binghamton is the larger city
— approximately 0.8x the population of Hot Springs.
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 | Hot Springs | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 37,979 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.18% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 45.3 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.40% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Hot Springs
Advantages
Median home prices and overall cost of living sit roughly 7-8% below the national average per US Census and Zillow data.
Average commute times are exceptionally short at around 21 minutes, minimizing daily transit friction.
Direct access to Hot Springs National Park and pristine lakes like Lake Hamilton provides unmatched outdoor recreation.
A thriving local healthcare sector anchored by major regional medical facilities ensures robust access to care.
Rich cultural history, vibrant arts community, and unique architecture create a distinct and engaging small-city environment.
Drawbacks
Poverty rates in the city proper are higher than the national average, registering around 20.5% per Census figures.
The local median household income of $47,760 trails well behind national benchmarks.
Heavy tourism seasons introduce periodic traffic congestion and crowding around downtown commercial districts.
Public transportation options are sparse, making reliable personal vehicle ownership an absolute necessity.
Property crime rates reflect the transient nature of a major tourist destination.
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.
Hot Springs
#426Arkansas, USA
56.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,150
Avg Salary
$48,000
Cost Index
92
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
264/yr
Avg Temp
64.90°F
Pop. Growth
0.18%
Unemployment
4.40%
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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