City Comparison
Lakeland vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Lakeland scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Lakeland
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Binghamton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
13% lower than in Lakeland.
Housing costs are a major driver: Lakeland's average rent is
45% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Lakeland | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,650 | $1,138 | +45% |
| Groceries | $420 | $404 | +4% |
| Utilities | $175 | $194 | -10% |
| Transport | $115 | $312 | -63% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $226 | +6% |
| Monthly Total | $2,600 | $2,274 | +14% |
| Cost Index | 96 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Lakeland offers 13% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Lakeland delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Lakeland is estimated at
$52,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Lakeland | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $62,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 64,583 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $63,500 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Lakeland runs warmer on average — a 73.1°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Lakeland comes out ahead with 228 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Lakeland sees 0 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Lakeland | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 73.10°F | °F |
| Summer High | 89.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 53.40°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 44.90 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 228 | |
| Humidity | 72.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,500 minutes (75 hours) per year compared to Lakeland.
Lakeland 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 | Lakeland | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 54.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 52.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Lakeland is the larger city
— approximately 2.5x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Lakeland is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Lakeland has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Lakeland | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,394 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.40% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 42.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 3.50% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Lakeland
Advantages
Centrally located along the I-4 corridor between Tampa and Orlando, offering easy access to major metropolitan amenities
Housing remains more affordable compared to coastal Florida markets like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa
Vibrant, historic downtown core featuring unique architecture, local dining, and scenic lakefront parks
World-class healthcare infrastructure anchored by Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center
Abundant outdoor recreation opportunities centered around 38 named lakes and local botanical gardens
Drawbacks
High reliance on automobiles with limited public mass transit options outside core urban routes
Surging home prices and rental rates driven by rapid population growth and statewide migration
Rising property insurance rates and property taxes across Florida impacting overall cost of living
Traffic congestion during peak commuting hours along major thoroughfares like US-98 and I-4
Hot and humid summer climate can limit outdoor comfort for several months of the year
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.
Lakeland
#135Florida, USA
65.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,650
Avg Salary
$62,000
Cost Index
96
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
54.0/100
Sunny Days
228/yr
Avg Temp
73.10°F
Pop. Growth
2.40%
Unemployment
3.50%
Livability
75
Business
72
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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