City Comparison
Stratford vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Stratford scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Stratford
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Binghamton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
24% lower than in Stratford.
Housing costs are a major driver: Stratford's average rent is
71% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Stratford | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,950 | $1,138 | +71% |
| Groceries | $460 | $404 | +14% |
| Utilities | $190 | $194 | -2% |
| Transport | $130 | $312 | -58% |
| Healthcare | $260 | $226 | +15% |
| Monthly Total | $2,990 | $2,274 | +31% |
| Cost Index | 118 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Stratford offers 42% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Stratford delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Stratford is estimated at
$65,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Stratford | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $78,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $65,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 66,102 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $88,500 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Stratford runs warmer on average — a 52.9°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Stratford comes out ahead with 245 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Stratford sees 22.2 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Stratford | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 52.90°F | °F |
| Summer High | 80.40°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 24.20°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 44.50 in | in |
| Snowfall | 22.20 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 245 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
7,000 minutes (117 hours) per year compared to Stratford.
Stratford scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Stratford leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Stratford | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 30 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 52.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 48.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Stratford is the larger city
— approximately 1.1x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Binghamton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Binghamton has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Stratford | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 52,305 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 42.1 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.50% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Stratford
Advantages
Direct access to Long Island Sound with scenic waterfront parks like Short Beach and Long Beach.
Convenient commuter access via the Stratford Metro-North train station along the New Haven Line.
Strong local employment anchored by major aerospace and manufacturing employers like Sikorsky Aircraft.
Rich colonial history and distinct neighborhood character, including the scenic Lordship peninsula.
More attainable housing options compared to immediate neighboring towns in western Fairfield County.
Drawbacks
Overall cost of living and property taxes remain notably higher than the national U.S. average.
High degree of car dependency for daily errands outside of immediate downtown and transit areas.
Vulnerability to coastal weather events and occasional flooding along low-lying shoreline areas.
Traffic congestion during peak commuting hours along major corridors like I-95 and Route 1.
Limited nightlife and entertainment options directly within town borders compared to larger cities.
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.
Stratford
#462Connecticut, USA
55.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,950
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
118
Commute
30 min
Transit Score
52.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
245/yr
Avg Temp
52.90°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
77
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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