Performance
Score Breakdown
Spokane
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Binghamton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
7% higher compared to Spokane.
Housing costs are a major driver: Spokane's average rent is
26% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Spokane | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,433 | $1,138 | +26% |
| Groceries | $400 | $404 | -1% |
| Utilities | $223 | $194 | +15% |
| Transport | $120 | $312 | -62% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $226 | +11% |
| Monthly Total | $2,426 | $2,274 | +7% |
| Cost Index | 98 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Spokane offers 31% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Spokane delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Spokane is estimated at
$55,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Spokane | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $72,290 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 73,765 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $70,190 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Spokane | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Spokane.
Spokane scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Spokane leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Spokane | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 33.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Spokane is the larger city
— approximately 4.9x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Spokane is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Spokane has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Spokane | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 228,989 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.20% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 38.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 3.80% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Spokane
Advantages
Cost of living is approximately 3% below the national average, with housing costs being 13.9% lower than the national average.
Spokane offers abundant outdoor activities with 76 lakes within an hour's drive and proximity to mountains.
Washington State has no state income tax, providing a significant financial advantage to residents.
The average commute time in Spokane is around 20-22 minutes, which is shorter than the Washington state average.
Spokane is recognized as one of the most affordable cities on the West Coast.
Drawbacks
The violent crime rate in Spokane is 7.2 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the national average of 3.6 per 1,000 residents.
Grocery costs in Spokane are approximately 8.8% higher than the national average.
Job growth is projected to slow down in 2026, and the housing market remains challenging for newcomers.
Spokane's economy has a heavy reliance on the healthcare industry, which poses a risk if growth in this sector falters.
Consumer spending behavior indicates an 'emotional recession' due to inflation eroding wage gains.
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.
Spokane
#25Washington, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,433
Avg Salary
$72,290
Cost Index
98
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.20%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
74
Business
68
Binghamton
#106New York, USA
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,138
Avg Salary
$55,000
Cost Index
110
Commute
16 min
Transit Score
33.0/10
Walkability
55.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.90%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
68
Business
60
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