City Comparison
West Fargo vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
West Fargo scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
West Fargo
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Binghamton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
13% lower than in West Fargo.
Housing costs are a major driver: West Fargo's average rent is
49% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | West Fargo | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,700 | $1,138 | +49% |
| Groceries | $400 | $404 | -1% |
| Utilities | $180 | $194 | -7% |
| Transport | $110 | $312 | -65% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $226 | +2% |
| Monthly Total | $2,620 | $2,274 | +15% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
West Fargo offers 16% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, West Fargo delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in West Fargo is estimated at
$52,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | West Fargo | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $64,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 69,565 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $90,665 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
West Fargo runs warmer on average — a 44.6°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, West Fargo comes out ahead with 270 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — West Fargo sees 30.5 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | West Fargo | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 44.60°F | °F |
| Summer High | 78.90°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 1.80°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 28.90 in | in |
| Snowfall | 30.50 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 270 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
West Fargo 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 | West Fargo | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 17 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 48.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Binghamton is the larger city
— approximately 0.9x the population of West Fargo.
From a growth perspective, West Fargo is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, West Fargo has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | West Fargo | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 41,027 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.10% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 33.3 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 2.60% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
West Fargo
Advantages
Median household income stands strong at $90,665, outperforming many regional peers per U.S. Census Bureau data.
Crime rates are well below the national average, ensuring a very secure environment for families per local safety reports.
Rapid population growth reflects high local satisfaction and strong economic vitality per municipal estimates.
A high percentage of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, fostering a skilled and progressive workforce.
Proximity to Fargo provides immediate access to major metropolitan amenities while maintaining a distinct suburban feel.
Drawbacks
Winters feature severe sub-zero temperatures and significant seasonal challenges based on local climate metrics.
High car dependency limits viable public transit alternatives for daily errands per demographic transit profiles.
Property tax rates in Cass County can be notable relative to overall home valuations per municipal tax data.
Seasonal weather extremes require higher home winterization and utility overhead costs.
Rental vacancy rates can tighten quickly during peak moving seasons due to high regional demand.
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.
West Fargo
#22North Dakota, USA
72.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,700
Avg Salary
$64,000
Cost Index
92
Commute
17 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
48.0/100
Sunny Days
270/yr
Avg Temp
44.60°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
2.60%
Livability
80
Business
75
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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