City Comparison
Smithfield vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Smithfield scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Smithfield
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Binghamton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
20% lower than in Smithfield.
Housing costs are a major driver: Smithfield's average rent is
63% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Smithfield | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,850 | $1,138 | +63% |
| Groceries | $420 | $404 | +4% |
| Utilities | $210 | $194 | +8% |
| Transport | $130 | $312 | -58% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $226 | +6% |
| Monthly Total | $2,850 | $2,274 | +25% |
| Cost Index | 108 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Smithfield offers 38% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Smithfield delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Smithfield is estimated at
$62,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Smithfield | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $76,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $62,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 70,370 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $105,400 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Smithfield runs warmer on average — a 50.6°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Smithfield comes out ahead with 252 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Smithfield sees 20.9 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Smithfield | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 50.60°F | °F |
| Summer High | 79.40°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 20.80°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 44.80 in | in |
| Snowfall | 20.90 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 252 | |
| Humidity | 66.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,000 minutes (83 hours) per year compared to Smithfield.
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 | Smithfield | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 26 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 32.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 35.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Binghamton is the larger city
— approximately 0.5x the population of Smithfield.
From a growth perspective, Binghamton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Smithfield has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Smithfield | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 22,118 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.40% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 43.5 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 3.80% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Smithfield
Advantages
Violent and property crime rates remain significantly lower than the national average per FBI and local law enforcement data.
Home to Bryant University, providing strong educational opportunities and an intellectually vibrant community atmosphere.
Conveniently situated near major highways like I-295, offering easy commutes to Providence and Boston.
Abundant access to natural green spaces, including Stump Pond and municipal parks for outdoor recreation.
Consistently well-rated local public school system that attracts families to the area.
Drawbacks
High cost of housing and competitive real estate market limit affordable options for first-time buyers.
High car dependency makes daily errands and commuting difficult without personal vehicle access.
Limited public transportation infrastructure with infrequent bus service outside major corridors.
Property tax rates in Rhode Island can impose a heavy financial burden on homeowners.
Limited local nightlife and entertainment options compared to nearby Providence.
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.
Smithfield
#151Rhode Island, USA
65.1 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,850
Avg Salary
$76,000
Cost Index
108
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
32.0/100
Walkability
35.0/100
Sunny Days
252/yr
Avg Temp
50.60°F
Pop. Growth
0.40%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
80
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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