City Comparison
Lenexa vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Lenexa scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Lenexa
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Binghamton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
23% lower than in Lenexa.
Housing costs are a major driver: Lenexa's average rent is
66% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Lenexa | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,890 | $1,138 | +66% |
| Groceries | $400 | $404 | -1% |
| Utilities | $300 | $194 | +55% |
| Transport | $120 | $312 | -62% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $226 | +11% |
| Monthly Total | $2,960 | $2,274 | +30% |
| Cost Index | 111 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Lenexa offers 7% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Lenexa delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Lenexa is estimated at
$65,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Lenexa | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,657 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $65,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 52,844 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $103,239 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Lenexa runs warmer on average — a 56.9°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Lenexa comes out ahead with 266 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Lenexa sees 18 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Lenexa | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 56.90°F | °F |
| Summer High | 86.10°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 22.20°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 42.60 in | in |
| Snowfall | 18.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 266 | |
| Humidity | % | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Lenexa.
Lenexa scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Lenexa leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Lenexa | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 19 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 60.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Lenexa is the larger city
— approximately 1.2x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Lenexa is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Lenexa has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Lenexa | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 58,384 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.60% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 37.2 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 3.80% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Lenexa
Advantages
Low crime rates, with violent crimes significantly below the national average, contributing to a high safety score.
High livability score of 86 out of 100, attributed to excellent amenities, low crime, and convenient access to services.
Strong economy with a robust job market and a low unemployment rate, offering ample opportunities in various sectors.
Short average commute times, around 19.4 minutes, allowing residents more personal time.
High educational attainment, with nearly 97% of residents holding a high school diploma and nearly 57% a bachelor's degree or higher.
Drawbacks
Higher cost of housing compared to national and state averages, making homeownership a significant investment.
Car dependency is high, as public transit and walkability scores are moderate, indicating personal vehicles are the primary mode of transport.
Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to larger metropolitan areas, which may be a drawback for some residents.
Weather can present challenges, with distinct seasons including warm, humid summers and cold winters with occasional snowfall.
Traffic congestion can occur, although the Kansas City metro area is noted for being relatively less congested compared to other large metros.
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.
Lenexa
#312Kansas, USA
60.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,890
Avg Salary
$58,657
Cost Index
111
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
55.0/100
Walkability
60.0/100
Sunny Days
266/yr
Avg Temp
56.90°F
Pop. Growth
1.60%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
86
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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