City Comparison
Prescott vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Prescott scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Prescott
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Binghamton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
17% lower than in Prescott.
Housing costs are a major driver: Prescott's average rent is
58% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Prescott | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,800 | $1,138 | +58% |
| Groceries | $400 | $404 | -1% |
| Utilities | $180 | $194 | -7% |
| Transport | $120 | $312 | -62% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $226 | +2% |
| Monthly Total | $2,730 | $2,274 | +20% |
| Cost Index | 104 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Prescott offers 5% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Prescott delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Prescott is estimated at
$52,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Prescott | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 55,769 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $70,874 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Prescott runs warmer on average — a 59.2°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Prescott comes out ahead with 297 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Prescott sees 24 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Prescott | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 59.20°F | °F |
| Summer High | 87.20°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 35.20°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 15.60 in | in |
| Snowfall | 24.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 297 | |
| Humidity | 45.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,000 minutes (67 hours) per year compared to Prescott.
Prescott scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Prescott leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Prescott | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 24 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Prescott is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Prescott 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 | Prescott | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 48,945 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.10% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 59.7 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.80% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Prescott
Advantages
Median household income in Prescott stands at $70,874, reflecting solid middle-class economic stability per U.S. Census data.
Average rent hovers around $1,800 per month, offering competitive leasing options compared to major Arizona metros.
Prescott enjoys an exceptional climate featuring 297 sunny days per year and refreshing four-season mountain weather.
Abundant outdoor recreation assets include over 450 miles of trails and scenic lakes like Watson Lake.
Crime rates remain significantly lower than the national average, ensuring a secure environment.
Drawbacks
Median property values have risen sharply to over $564,000, creating housing affordability hurdles for first-time buyers.
Local public transit infrastructure is limited, making vehicle ownership an absolute necessity for daily life.
The local economy relies heavily on seasonal tourism and hospitality, which can create employment fluctuation.
Average wages in several local sectors lag behind statewide and national compensation benchmarks.
Higher median age can limit certain types of fast-paced urban nightlife and entertainment venues.
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.
Prescott
#301Arizona, USA
61.1 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$58,000
Cost Index
104
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
297/yr
Avg Temp
59.20°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
4.80%
Livability
80
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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