City Comparison
Middlebury vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Middlebury scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Middlebury
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 Middlebury.
Housing costs are a major driver: Middlebury's average rent is
45% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Middlebury | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,650 | $1,138 | +45% |
| Groceries | $420 | $404 | +4% |
| Utilities | $210 | $194 | +8% |
| Transport | $110 | $312 | -65% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $226 | +2% |
| Monthly Total | $2,620 | $2,274 | +15% |
| Cost Index | 108 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Middlebury offers 24% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Middlebury delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Middlebury is estimated at
$58,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Middlebury | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $68,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $58,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 62,963 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $82,450 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Middlebury runs warmer on average — a 46.8°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Middlebury comes out ahead with 222 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Middlebury sees 45.4 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Middlebury | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 46.80°F | °F |
| Summer High | 78.50°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 13.10°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 40.40 in | in |
| Snowfall | 45.40 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 222 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
Middlebury scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Middlebury leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Middlebury | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 18 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 65.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 22.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Binghamton is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x the population of Middlebury.
From a growth perspective, Binghamton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Middlebury has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Middlebury | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 9,112 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 39.5 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 2.40% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Middlebury
Advantages
Violent and property crime rates remain significantly lower than the national average per Vermont state data.
Direct Amtrak rail service via the Ethan Allen Express connects Middlebury straight to New York City.
Access to top-tier cultural events, lectures, and athletic facilities through Middlebury College.
Exceptional local school district and proximity to premier outdoor recreation including hiking, skiing, and cycling.
Strong local economy anchored by stable institutional employers like Middlebury College and Porter Medical Center.
Drawbacks
Housing inventory is severely constrained, leading to high purchase prices and competitive rental markets.
Long, harsh New England winters drive up seasonal home heating and utility costs.
Property taxes in Vermont are among the highest in the nation, impacting homeowners.
Limited public transit options require heavy reliance on personal vehicles for regional travel.
Higher-than-average cost of living for groceries and goods compared to the broader national baseline.
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.
Middlebury
#130Vermont, USA
65.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,650
Avg Salary
$68,000
Cost Index
108
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
65.0/100
Sunny Days
222/yr
Avg Temp
46.80°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
2.40%
Livability
84
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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