City Comparison
Vancouver vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Vancouver scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Vancouver
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Binghamton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
18% lower than in Vancouver.
Housing costs are a major driver: Vancouver's average rent is
54% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Vancouver | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,750 | $1,138 | +54% |
| Groceries | $450 | $404 | +11% |
| Utilities | $190 | $194 | -2% |
| Transport | $130 | $312 | -58% |
| Healthcare | $260 | $226 | +15% |
| Monthly Total | $2,780 | $2,274 | +22% |
| Cost Index | 108 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Vancouver offers 24% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Vancouver delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Vancouver is estimated at
$58,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Vancouver | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $68,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $58,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 62,963 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $78,000 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Vancouver runs warmer on average — a 55.6°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Vancouver comes out ahead with 243 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Vancouver sees 8.2 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Vancouver | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 55.60°F | °F |
| Summer High | 80.90°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 37.00°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 50.60 in | in |
| Snowfall | 8.20 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 243 | |
| Humidity | 72.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,000 minutes (83 hours) per year compared to Vancouver.
Vancouver 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 | Vancouver | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 26 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 44.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 52.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Vancouver is the larger city
— approximately 4.2x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Vancouver 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 | Vancouver | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,000 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.40% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 37.5 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.50% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Vancouver
Advantages
No Washington state personal income tax, providing significant financial savings for residents.
Thriving waterfront district featuring award-winning dining, parks, and community spaces.
Proximity to Portland, Oregon, offering easy access to major metropolitan amenities and arts.
Abundant outdoor recreation opportunities including the Columbia River and nearby Cascade Mountains.
Strong job market growth in healthcare, technology, and manufacturing sectors.
Drawbacks
Significant traffic congestion during peak commuting hours across the I-5 and I-205 bridges.
Rising housing and rental costs driven by high regional demand and population growth.
Moderate public transit and walkability scores outside the immediate downtown core.
Higher-than-average sales tax rates compared to some neighboring states.
Overcast and rainy weather conditions during the extended autumn and winter seasons.
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.
Vancouver
#362Washington, USA
59.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,750
Avg Salary
$68,000
Cost Index
108
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
44.0/100
Sunny Days
243/yr
Avg Temp
55.60°F
Pop. Growth
1.40%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
76
Business
71
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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