City Comparison
Norfolk vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Norfolk scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Norfolk
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Norfolk is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
13% lower than in Binghamton.
| Metric | Norfolk | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,100 | $1,138 | -3% |
| Groceries | $414 | $404 | +2% |
| Utilities | $184 | $194 | -5% |
| Transport | $150 | $312 | -52% |
| Healthcare | $120 | $226 | -47% |
| Monthly Total | $1,968 | $2,274 | -13% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 35% 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 Norfolk is estimated at
$23,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Norfolk | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $35,980 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $23,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 39,109 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $58,884 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Norfolk runs warmer on average — a 51.6°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Norfolk comes out ahead with 271 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Norfolk sees 15.6 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Norfolk | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 51.60°F | °F |
| Summer High | 82.60°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 14.90°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 27.40 in | in |
| Snowfall | 15.60 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 271 | |
| Humidity | 67.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
Binghamton 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 | Norfolk | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 16 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 40.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Binghamton is the larger city
— approximately 0.6x the population of Norfolk.
From a growth perspective, Norfolk is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Norfolk has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Norfolk | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 26,054 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.30% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 37.3 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 2.70% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Norfolk
Advantages
Norfolk boasts a strong sense of community, fostering pride and unity among residents.
The city offers a variety of outdoor activities, including tubing, trails, and a whitewater park.
Crime rates in Norfolk are significantly lower than the national average, contributing to a safe living environment. [cite: 12, 14, 23, 29, 35 from previous search]
The cost of living, particularly housing, is more affordable compared to the national average. [cite: 6 from previous search]
Commute times are notably shorter than the national average, enhancing daily convenience. [cite: 2, 19 from previous search, 35 from previous search]
Drawbacks
Compared to larger cities, Norfolk has limited entertainment options.
Wages have not fully kept pace with inflation, impacting family budgets.
Despite overall affordability, finding truly affordable housing can still be a challenge.
Some residents perceive a 'snobby' community mindset or a lack of motivation for change.
The city experienced an overall employment decline rate between 2023 and 2024. [cite: 2, 3 from previous search]
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.
Norfolk
#31Nebraska, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,100
Avg Salary
$35,980
Cost Index
92
Commute
16 min
Transit Score
20.0/100
Walkability
40.0/100
Sunny Days
271/yr
Avg Temp
51.60°F
Pop. Growth
1.30%
Unemployment
2.70%
Livability
74
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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