Performance
Score Breakdown
North Charleston
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Binghamton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
26% higher compared to North Charleston.
Housing costs are a major driver: North Charleston's average rent is
64% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | North Charleston | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,870 | $1,138 | +64% |
| Groceries | $450 | $404 | +11% |
| Utilities | $180 | $194 | -7% |
| Transport | $120 | $312 | -62% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $226 | +11% |
| Monthly Total | $2,870 | $2,274 | +26% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
North Charleston offers 18% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, North Charleston delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in North Charleston is estimated at
$55,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | North Charleston | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 68,421 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $62,956 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | North Charleston | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,500 minutes (75 hours) per year compared to North Charleston.
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 | North Charleston | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 26.0/10 | 33.0/10 |
| Walkability | 39.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
North Charleston is the larger city
— approximately 2.8x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, North Charleston is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, North Charleston has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | North Charleston | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 131,980 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.12% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 34.6 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 3.30% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
North Charleston
Advantages
More affordable housing and cost of living compared to downtown Charleston.
Growing job market with diverse industries like aerospace, manufacturing, and healthcare.
Strategic location with excellent access to major transportation routes and the Port of Charleston.
Good quality of life with a variety of amenities, entertainment, and recreational opportunities.
Slight moderation in price growth in the housing market, leading to a more balanced environment for buyers.
Drawbacks
Higher crime rates compared to the South Carolina and national averages.
Car-dependent transportation system with lower walkability and transit scores.
Wages have not kept pace with the rapid increase in rental costs in some areas.
While stabilizing, the housing market has seen significant price appreciation in recent years.
Some population groups face greater challenges accessing employment within the city.
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.
North Charleston
#28South Carolina, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,870
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
95
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
26.0/10
Walkability
39.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.12%
Unemployment
3.30%
Livability
74
Business
68
Binghamton
#117New York, USA
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,138
Avg Salary
$55,000
Cost Index
110
Commute
16 min
Transit Score
33.0/10
Walkability
55.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.90%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
68
Business
60
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