City Comparison
Roswell vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Roswell scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Roswell
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Binghamton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
16% lower than in Roswell.
Housing costs are a major driver: Roswell's average rent is
54% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Roswell | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,750 | $1,138 | +54% |
| Groceries | $420 | $404 | +4% |
| Utilities | $175 | $194 | -10% |
| Transport | $130 | $312 | -58% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $226 | +2% |
| Monthly Total | $2,705 | $2,274 | +19% |
| Cost Index | 112 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Roswell offers 42% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Roswell delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Roswell is estimated at
$62,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Roswell | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $78,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $62,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 69,643 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $105,432 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Roswell runs warmer on average — a 62.2°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Roswell comes out ahead with 236 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Roswell sees 3.7 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Roswell | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 62.20°F | °F |
| Summer High | 86.70°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 34.80°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 46.90 in | in |
| Snowfall | 3.70 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 236 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
6,000 minutes (100 hours) per year compared to Roswell.
Roswell 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 | Roswell | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 52.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 54.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Roswell is the larger city
— approximately 2x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Binghamton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Roswell has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Roswell | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 92,835 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 40.2 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 3.20% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Roswell
Advantages
Consistently ranked among the safest cities in Georgia with crime rates well below the national average.
Exceptional public school system operated by the Fulton County School District.
Vibrant historic downtown and Canton Street offering renowned dining, shopping, and community events.
Abundant outdoor recreation access, including the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area and extensive trail systems.
Strong local economy with low unemployment and robust median household incomes.
Drawbacks
Cost of living and housing prices are significantly higher than the U.S. and Georgia state averages.
High car dependency with limited public mass transit options within the city limits.
Peak-hour traffic congestion along major thoroughfares like Holcomb Bridge Road and GA-400.
Competitive real estate market makes finding affordable housing challenging for first-time buyers.
Property taxes in Fulton County can place a heavier financial burden on homeowners.
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.
Roswell
#138Georgia, USA
65.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,750
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
112
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
52.0/100
Sunny Days
236/yr
Avg Temp
62.20°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
84
Business
76
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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