City Comparison
Renton vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Renton scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Renton
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Binghamton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
28% lower than in Renton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Renton's average rent is
85% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Renton | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,100 | $1,138 | +85% |
| Groceries | $480 | $404 | +19% |
| Utilities | $190 | $194 | -2% |
| Transport | $130 | $312 | -58% |
| Healthcare | $260 | $226 | +15% |
| Monthly Total | $3,160 | $2,274 | +39% |
| Cost Index | 135 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Renton offers 42% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Renton delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Renton is estimated at
$65,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Renton | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $78,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $65,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 57,778 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $92,000 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Renton runs warmer on average — a 54.3°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Renton comes out ahead with 225 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Renton sees 10.6 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Renton | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 54.30°F | °F |
| Summer High | 77.40°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 36.60°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 50.70 in | in |
| Snowfall | 10.60 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 225 | |
| Humidity | 72.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
6,500 minutes (108 hours) per year compared to Renton.
Renton 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 | Renton | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 29 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 48.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 52.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 54.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Renton is the larger city
— approximately 2.3x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Renton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Renton has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Renton | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,000 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.10% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 38.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.20% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Renton
Advantages
Strategic Puget Sound location with convenient access to Seattle, Bellevue, and Sea-Tac International Airport
Stunning natural amenities including Lake Washington waterfront access and Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park
Diverse and inclusive community with a rich cultural fabric and active local neighborhoods
Strong local economy anchored by aerospace manufacturing, healthcare, and technology
Vibrant downtown City Centre undergoing continuous revitalization and new dining developments
Drawbacks
Elevated cost of living and housing prices significantly higher than the U.S. national average
Significant traffic congestion along major commuter corridors such as Interstate 405 during peak hours
Higher-than-average property crime rates typical of growing urban and suburban transition zones
Frequent Pacific Northwest overcast weather and high annual rainfall totals
Competitive real estate market making homeownership difficult for middle-income buyers
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.
Renton
#521Washington, USA
51.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,100
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
135
Commute
29 min
Transit Score
48.0/100
Walkability
52.0/100
Sunny Days
225/yr
Avg Temp
54.30°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
75
Business
72
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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