Thinking about relocating to Binghamton, New York?
All facts are backed by recent data (mostly 2022-2025).
Binghamton offers a low cost of living compared to many other places.
Home Stratosphere
Overall expenses in Binghamton are about 19% lower than the U.S. average.
Everyday expenses like groceries and utilities tend to be a bit below the national average.
A big reason for the low cost of living is housing.
Because home prices and rents are very affordable here, the overall cost to live in Binghamton stays down.
Other essentials are reasonably priced too.
The towns lack of vacation home appeal aligns with its identity as primarily residential or educational rather than recreational.
Car friendliness is also relatively strong, balancing pedestrian access with driving convenience.
However, extremely low scores in public transit and cycling friendliness highlight transportation infrastructure challenges.
A moderate quietness score suggests a balanced urban atmosphere, neither overly noisy nor notably peaceful.
The lack of nautical lifestyle fits its inland location and urban setting.
Housing Market and Home Prices
One of Binghamtons biggest advantages is its inexpensive housing market.
Homes here cost far less than in most of New York State and the country.
The typical house value in Binghamton is around $170,000.
Despite the low prices, youll find a variety of home types.
Binghamton is an older city, so many houses are historic or mid-century builds.
There are single-family houses with yards, multi-family homes, and some small apartment buildings.
The homeownership rate is modest, with about 44% of homes owner-occupied vs. 56% renter-occupied.
This recent growth suggests positive momentum and improved investment potential for the area.
Renting in Binghamton
The rental market in Binghamton is also very affordable.
The median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is about $960 per month.
This is roughly one-third cheaper than the U.S. average rent ($1,430) for a similar unit.
One-bedroom apartments often rent for around $700-$800 in the city, depending on location and condition.
Types of rentals available include apartments in multi-unit houses, units in apartment complexes, and duplexes/triplexes.
Because many houses are older, youll find lots of duplex-style rentals in converted houses.
There are also some modern apartment communities, especially in downtown and near Binghamton Universitys downtown campus.
Overall, renting is quite attainable on a modest income.
The city is home to several major employers that drive the local job market.
Binghamton University (SUNY) is one of the top employers.
Additionally, some high-tech and manufacturing companies remain important.
Government and education also contribute a significant number of jobs.
The unemployment rate in the Binghamton area has been fairly low recently.
In 2023, the metro areas unemployment averaged about 3.7%, which is on par with national levels.
However, the regions economy is smaller than in past decades, and job growth has been modest.
Healthcare and education are the fastest-growing sectors, reflecting the citys shift toward being eds and meds focused.
Wages in Binghamton tend to be lower than state and national averages.
The median household income in the city is about $44,300.
That is roughly two-thirds of the U.S. median and only about half of New York States median household income.
One challenge is the poverty rate, which is high.
Approximately 32-33% of Binghamtons residents live below the poverty line, more than double the U.S. poverty rate.
The city, county, and school district all levy property taxes.
For example, a $120,000 house might have around $4,000+ in yearly property taxes.
Sales Tax
The sales tax in Binghamton is 8.0% on most purchases.
Also, New York State Route 17, known as the Southern Tier Expressway, passes through Binghamton.
Additionally, Binghamton University runs OCCT shuttles for students that connect campus with downtown and student housing areas.
Intercity Travel
Binghamton is surprisingly well-served by intercity buses.
As of mid-2025, the primary service is Delta Air Lines with nonstop flights to Detroit.
From Detroit, travelers can connect to many other destinations.
In terms of everyday commuting, most people drive, and commute times are short.
The average commute is under 20 minutes.
Parking is generally easy to find and often free or inexpensive.
Crime and Safety
When considering a move, safety is a key concern.
Binghamtons crime rate is higher than average, especially compared to smaller towns or the national norm.
According to composite crime indexes, Binghamtons overall crime level is about 1.4 times the U.S. average.
Both violent crime and property crime rates in the city exceed state and national averages.
Property crime in Binghamton is roughly 35.0 per 1,000 residents, compared to about 19.5 per 1,000 nationally.
The city has been working to improve public safety.
Education and Schools
Education in Binghamton is a mixed picture.
The area boasts excellent higher education opportunities, but the K-12 public schools face some challenges in performance.
Public Schools
The city is served by the Binghamton City School District.
The district has 10 public schools with about 4,500 students enrolled.
In terms of academic performance, Binghamtons district is below state averages.
Standardized test scores show that about 21% of students are proficient in math and 26% in reading.
These figures are roughly half of New York States average proficiency rates.
The high school graduation rate has been rising its about 71% as of 2022.
It enrolls over 18,000 students and is highly ranked for its academics and value.
Theres also SUNY Broome Community College in nearby Dickinson, offering two-year degrees and workforce training.
A local favorite is Recreation Park (Rec Park) on the West Side.
Binghamton is nicknamed the Carousel Capital of the World.
Museums and Arts
Binghamton has a surprisingly vibrant arts scene.
Theres also the Bundy Museum of History and Art, which showcases local history.
The Phelps Mansion Museum is a preserved 19th-century mansion you might tour.
For kids, the Discovery Center is an interactive childrens museum with play-and-learn exhibits.
The city also has a rich performing arts scene with the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra and the Tri-Cities Opera company.
Restaurants and Food
While Binghamton is not a huge city, it has a diverse dining scene.
A must-try local specialty is the Spiedie.
Besides spiedies, Binghamton has everything from quaint coffee shops and delis to upscale eateries in the downtown area.
Sports and Athletics
Sports fans will find minor league and collegiate action in Binghamton.
For hockey, the Binghamton Black Bears began play in 2021.
Binghamton Universitys NCAA Division I teams (the BU Bearcats) also offer entertainment.
The citys population has been relatively flat or declining slightly in recent years.
In terms of demographics, Binghamton is predominantly White, but with significant minority communities.
The Black or African American population is around 11-12%.
Theres a growing Hispanic/Latino community (~6-7%) and an Asian community (~4-5%).
Binghamton also has a sizeable Kurdish ethnic community refugees and their families who have settled here.
The age distribution is fairly young, influenced by the student population and the citys affordability for younger families.
The median age in Binghamton is about 35 years (compared to ~39 for the U.S.).
Snowfall is significant Binghamton averages 64 inches of snow per year, more than double the U.S. average.
Summers
Summers (June through August) are warm and generally comfortable.
Only on a few afternoons each summer does the temperature exceed 90F (~32C).
One quirk: Binghamton is quite cloudy compared to many places.
It averages only about 152 sunny days per year (the U.S. average is ~205).
In terms of the environment and natural risks, the biggest concern in Binghamton is flooding.
The city lies at the confluence of the Susquehanna River and Chenango River.
Low-lying parts of the city and suburbs have experienced major floods in the past.
If you move to Binghamton, its wise to see if a prospective home is in a floodplain.
Flood insurance may be required in some neighborhoods.
Air and water quality in Binghamton are generally good.
Youll trade off some big-city conveniences for small-city charm and a lower price tag on life.
