City Comparison
Southfield vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Southfield scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Southfield
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Binghamton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
5% lower than in Southfield.
Housing costs are a major driver: Southfield's average rent is
27% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Southfield | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,450 | $1,138 | +27% |
| Groceries | $410 | $404 | +1% |
| Utilities | $175 | $194 | -10% |
| Transport | $130 | $312 | -58% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $226 | +6% |
| Monthly Total | $2,405 | $2,274 | +6% |
| Cost Index | 96 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Southfield offers 24% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Southfield delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Southfield is estimated at
$52,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Southfield | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $68,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 70,833 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $74,000 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Southfield runs warmer on average — a 49.8°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Southfield comes out ahead with 246 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Southfield sees 36.8 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Southfield | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 49.80°F | °F |
| Summer High | 82.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 17.40°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 32.40 in | in |
| Snowfall | 36.80 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 246 | |
| 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 Southfield.
Southfield 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 | Southfield | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 26 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 45.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 48.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Southfield is the larger city
— approximately 1.6x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Binghamton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
| Metric | Southfield | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 76,500 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 42.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.30% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Southfield
Advantages
Strategic location in Oakland County with direct access to major freeways like I-696 and US-10
Robust commercial hub hosting numerous corporate headquarters and professional service firms
Diverse and welcoming community with strong cultural representation and active local engagement
Excellent healthcare infrastructure anchored by Ascension Providence Hospital
More affordable housing options compared to neighboring affluent Oakland County communities
Drawbacks
High car dependency with limited walkability and transit scores outside central corridors
Property tax rates can be relatively high compared to some surrounding townships
Traffic congestion along major commuter arteries during peak rush hours
Varying crime rates and safety profiles depending on the specific neighborhood
Older housing stock in some areas may require significant maintenance or updates
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.
Southfield
#282Michigan, USA
61.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$68,000
Cost Index
96
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
45.0/100
Sunny Days
246/yr
Avg Temp
49.80°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
73
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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