City Comparison
Modena vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Modena scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Modena
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Modena is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
27% lower than in Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Modena's average rent is
17% lower than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Modena | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $950 | $1,138 | -17% |
| Groceries | $380 | $404 | -6% |
| Utilities | $170 | $194 | -12% |
| Transport | $50 | $312 | -84% |
| Healthcare | $120 | $226 | -47% |
| Monthly Total | $1,670 | $2,274 | -27% |
| Cost Index | 78 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 38% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Binghamton delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Modena is estimated at
$28,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Modena | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $34,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $28,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 43,590 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $36,000 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Modena runs warmer on average — a 59.7°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Modena comes out ahead with 268 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Modena sees 0.7 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Modena | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 59.70°F | °F |
| Summer High | 89.70°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 36.90°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 29.20 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.70 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 268 | |
| Humidity | 72.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Modena.
Modena scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Modena leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Modena | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 62.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 78.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 48.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Modena is the larger city
— approximately 4x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Binghamton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Binghamton has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Modena | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 185,000 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 45.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.80% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Modena
Advantages
World-renowned automotive and engineering hub ('Motor Valley') offering robust career opportunities.
Exceptional culinary heritage as the home of authentic balsamic vinegar, Parmigiano Reggiano, and fine dining.
High level of public safety and a clean, well-maintained urban environment.
Extensive cycling infrastructure and high walkability within the historic center.
Strong local economy with lower unemployment than the national average.
Drawbacks
Padan plain geography can trap winter fog and industrial smog, leading to lower air quality days.
Summer temperatures can be quite hot and humid, contrasting with cold winter lows.
Rental housing in the historic center can be scarce and expensive.
Limited direct underground metro system, relying primarily on buses and surface transit.
High demand for skilled technical labor can make talent recruitment competitive for local startups.
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.
Modena
#26Emilia-Romagna, Italy
67.1 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$34,000
Cost Index
78
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
62.0/100
Walkability
78.0/100
Sunny Days
268/yr
Avg Temp
59.70°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
4.80%
Livability
80
Business
76
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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