City Comparison
South Bend vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
South Bend scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
South Bend
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
South Bend is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
12% lower than in Binghamton.
| Metric | South Bend | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,100 | $1,138 | -3% |
| Groceries | $380 | $404 | -6% |
| Utilities | $175 | $194 | -10% |
| Transport | $110 | $312 | -65% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $226 | +2% |
| Monthly Total | $1,995 | $2,274 | -12% |
| Cost Index | 87 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
South Bend offers 2% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, South Bend delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in South Bend is estimated at
$48,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | South Bend | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $56,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $48,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 64,368 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $54,200 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
South Bend runs warmer on average — a 51.5°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, South Bend comes out ahead with 240 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — South Bend sees 42.5 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | South Bend | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 51.50°F | °F |
| Summer High | 82.90°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 19.10°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 36.10 in | in |
| Snowfall | 42.50 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 240 | |
| Humidity | 70.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to South Bend.
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 | South Bend | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 32.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 42.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
South Bend is the larger city
— approximately 2.2x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Binghamton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, South Bend has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | South Bend | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 103,450 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.40% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 35.4 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.20% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
South Bend
Advantages
Median home prices in South Bend remain significantly below the national average per recent US Census and Zillow data.
The presence of the University of Notre Dame brings world-class cultural, athletic, and educational events to the local community.
Revitalized downtown public spaces and riverfront paths offer excellent recreational opportunities for residents.
A strategic location provides convenient access to Chicago via highway, rail, and the South Bend International Airport.
Low traffic congestion and manageable commutes compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Drawbacks
Below-average median household incomes compared to national benchmarks.
Property tax rates and localized winter heating utility costs can add financial pressure during colder months.
Public transit walkability is limited outside of the immediate downtown and university cores.
Certain neighborhoods experience above-average property and property-related crime rates.
Heavy winter snowfall and prolonged cloud cover during late fall and winter months.
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.
South Bend
#405Indiana, USA
58.2 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,100
Avg Salary
$56,000
Cost Index
87
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
32.0/100
Walkability
42.0/100
Sunny Days
240/yr
Avg Temp
51.50°F
Pop. Growth
0.40%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
73
Business
69
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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