City Comparison
Valley City vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Valley City scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Valley City
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Valley City is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
23% lower than in Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Valley City's average rent is
25% lower than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Valley City | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $850 | $1,138 | -25% |
| Groceries | $380 | $404 | -6% |
| Utilities | $180 | $194 | -7% |
| Transport | $110 | $312 | -65% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $226 | -3% |
| Monthly Total | $1,740 | $2,274 | -23% |
| Cost Index | 88 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 5% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Valley City delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Valley City is estimated at
$42,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Valley City | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $52,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $42,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 59,091 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $60,339 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Valley City runs warmer on average — a 43.4°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Valley City comes out ahead with 283 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Valley City sees 25.5 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Valley City | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 43.40°F | °F |
| Summer High | 76.50°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 1.60°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 22.20 in | in |
| Snowfall | 25.50 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 283 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
Valley City scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Valley City leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Valley City | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 16 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 22.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Binghamton is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Valley City.
From a growth perspective, Binghamton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Valley City has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Valley City | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 6,430 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | — | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 39.4 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 3.20% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Valley City
Advantages
Median home property values remain highly accessible at roughly $162,200 per Census data, offering exceptional affordability for buyers.
Crime rates and overall safety profiles sit significantly lower than the national average, ensuring a secure environment.
Average commute times are remarkably short at under 16 minutes per Data USA metrics, reducing daily travel stress.
Home to Valley City State University, providing local cultural events, continuing education, and community enrichment.
Surrounded by the scenic Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway, offering abundant outdoor recreation and natural beauty.
Drawbacks
Harsh winter weather conditions bring severe low temperatures and winter snowfall totals that require winterized preparation.
Local employment options in niche professional fields are more limited compared to larger metropolitan job markets like Fargo.
Poverty rates hover around 16.7% according to recent U.S. Census Bureau estimates, indicating localized economic challenges.
Public transportation infrastructure is minimal, making car ownership an absolute necessity for daily life.
Specialized retail, entertainment, and major medical procedures require travel to regional urban centers.
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.
Valley City
#80North Dakota, USA
68.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$850
Avg Salary
$52,000
Cost Index
88
Commute
16 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
283/yr
Avg Temp
43.40°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
76
Business
67
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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