City Comparison
Lynchburg vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Lynchburg scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Lynchburg
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Lynchburg is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
7% lower than in Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Lynchburg's average rent is
10% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Lynchburg | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,250 | $1,138 | +10% |
| Groceries | $380 | $404 | -6% |
| Utilities | $165 | $194 | -15% |
| Transport | $110 | $312 | -65% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $226 | -3% |
| Monthly Total | $2,125 | $2,274 | -7% |
| Cost Index | 91 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Lynchburg offers 5% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Lynchburg delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Lynchburg is estimated at
$48,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Lynchburg | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $48,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 63,736 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $56,500 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Lynchburg runs warmer on average — a 57.9°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Lynchburg comes out ahead with 249 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Lynchburg sees 15 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Lynchburg | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 57.90°F | °F |
| Summer High | 85.10°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 28.20°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 38.20 in | in |
| Snowfall | 15.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 249 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Lynchburg.
Lynchburg 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 | Lynchburg | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 19 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 48.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Lynchburg is the larger city
— approximately 1.7x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Binghamton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Lynchburg has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Lynchburg | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 79,931 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.80% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 32.5 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 3.20% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Lynchburg
Advantages
Median home prices remain significantly below the national average per Zillow and local real estate data.
Proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains and James River offers exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities.
A thriving local economy anchored by stable education and healthcare sectors.
Rich historical heritage complemented by a revitalized and walkable downtown district.
Short average commute times compared to major Virginia metropolitan areas.
Drawbacks
Public transit options are limited, resulting in high reliance on personal vehicles.
Public school funding and rankings can vary significantly by specific neighborhood zone.
Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to larger urban centers.
Humid summer weather can be intense for residents sensitive to high temperatures.
Public sector and entry-level wages can trail national averages in certain service industries.
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.
Lynchburg
#248Virginia, USA
62.4 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,250
Avg Salary
$58,000
Cost Index
91
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
48.0/100
Sunny Days
249/yr
Avg Temp
57.90°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
75
Business
69
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
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Lynchburg and Binghamton.
Open Cost Calculator