City Comparison
Kalispell vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Kalispell scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Kalispell
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Binghamton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
6% lower than in Kalispell.
Housing costs are a major driver: Kalispell's average rent is
27% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Kalispell | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,450 | $1,138 | +27% |
| Groceries | $420 | $404 | +4% |
| Utilities | $175 | $194 | -10% |
| Transport | $130 | $312 | -58% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $226 | +6% |
| Monthly Total | $2,415 | $2,274 | +6% |
| Cost Index | 104 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Kalispell offers 5% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Kalispell delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Kalispell is estimated at
$52,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Kalispell | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 55,769 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $64,500 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Kalispell runs warmer on average — a 45.5°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Kalispell comes out ahead with 249 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Kalispell sees 50.8 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Kalispell | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 45.50°F | °F |
| Summer High | 76.50°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 16.50°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 30.20 in | in |
| Snowfall | 50.80 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 249 | |
| Humidity | 60.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
Kalispell 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 | Kalispell | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 18 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 52.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Binghamton is the larger city
— approximately 0.6x the population of Kalispell.
From a growth perspective, Kalispell is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Kalispell has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Kalispell | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 26,500 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.10% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 39.5 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 3.20% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Kalispell
Advantages
Unmatched proximity to Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake providing world-class outdoor recreation
Robust regional healthcare sector anchored by Logan Health offering advanced medical services
Thriving historic downtown area featuring local boutiques, craft breweries, and community events
Strong sense of community and a family-friendly environment with scenic mountain views
Growing local economy supported by tourism, manufacturing, and professional services
Drawbacks
Substantial housing price appreciation and rental cost increases driven by high migration rates
High reliance on automobiles with limited public transit options across the wider valley
Cold, snowy winter conditions that require preparation and adaptation for residents
Seasonal traffic congestion along major thoroughfares during peak summer tourism months
Limited inventory in the local real estate market making housing acquisition competitive
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.
Kalispell
#241Montana, USA
62.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$58,000
Cost Index
104
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
52.0/100
Sunny Days
249/yr
Avg Temp
45.50°F
Pop. Growth
2.10%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
78
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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