City Comparison
Portland vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Portland scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Portland
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Portland is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
8% lower than in Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Portland's average rent is
83% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Portland | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,088 | $1,138 | +83% |
| Groceries | $0 | $404 | -100% |
| Utilities | $0 | $194 | -100% |
| Transport | $0 | $312 | -100% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $226 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $2,088 | $2,274 | -8% |
| Cost Index | 114 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 100% lower average salaries.
| Metric | Portland | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $0 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $0 | $45,000 |
| Household Income | $79,540 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Portland runs warmer on average — a 47.7°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Portland comes out ahead with 254 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Portland sees 43.2 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Portland | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 47.70°F | °F |
| Summer High | 78.40°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 14.70°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 38.40 in | in |
| Snowfall | 43.20 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 254 | |
| Humidity | 71.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Portland.
Portland scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Portland leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Portland | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 19 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 65.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 62.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Portland is the larger city
— approximately 1.5x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Binghamton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Portland has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Portland | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,854 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.51% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 37.8 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 2.70% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Portland
Advantages
High walkability, especially in the peninsula neighborhoods, allowing for car-free living in many areas.
A thriving and diverse economy with strong sectors in healthcare, technology, and professional services, offering ample job opportunities.
Nationally recognized culinary scene and a vibrant craft beer culture, making it a destination for food enthusiasts.
Access to coastal beauty and outdoor recreation, including beaches, islands, and scenic waterfronts.
A rich history and well-preserved architecture, particularly in the Old Port district, contributing to a unique urban charm.
Drawbacks
The cost of living is 14% higher than the national average, with housing being a significant expense.
Crime rates, particularly property crime, are a concern and can be higher than national averages in some metrics.
Public transit options, while present, may not be as extensive as in larger metropolitan areas, leading to medium car dependency.
Winter weather can be harsh, with cold temperatures and significant snowfall, impacting outdoor activities.
Limited availability of affordable housing options due to high demand and property values.
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.
Portland
#458Maine, USA
55.1 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,088
Avg Salary
$0
Cost Index
114
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
65.0/100
Walkability
62.0/100
Sunny Days
254/yr
Avg Temp
47.70°F
Pop. Growth
0.51%
Unemployment
2.70%
Livability
75
Business
70
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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