Performance
Score Breakdown
Amberg
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Amberg is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
32% lower compared to Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Amberg's average rent is
45% lower than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Amberg | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $630 | $1,138 | -45% |
| Groceries | $452 | $404 | +12% |
| Utilities | $290 | $194 | +49% |
| Transport | $75 | $312 | -76% |
| Healthcare | $100 | $226 | -56% |
| Monthly Total | $1,547 | $2,274 | -32% |
| Cost Index | 60 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Amberg offers 9% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Amberg delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Amberg is estimated at
$58,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Amberg | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $60,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $58,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 100,000 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $70,000 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Amberg | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 75.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Amberg.
Amberg scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Amberg leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Amberg | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 65.0/10 | 33.0/10 |
| Walkability | 75.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Binghamton is the larger city
— approximately 0.9x the population of Amberg.
From a growth perspective, Binghamton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Amberg has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Amberg | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 43,241 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.80% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 44.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.00% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Amberg
Advantages
Amberg offers a significantly lower cost of living compared to larger German cities like Frankfurt, particularly in housing and daily expenses.
The city boasts a well-preserved medieval old town and a rich historical character, providing a unique and attractive living environment.
Amberg has a high quality of life, supported by a safe environment and access to both urban amenities and natural landscapes.
The public transportation system, including regional trains and buses, provides efficient mobility within the city and to surrounding areas.
The presence of Klinikum St. Marien Amberg and other medical facilities ensures high-quality healthcare access for residents.
Drawbacks
Specific data on job growth rates and new business growth for Amberg is limited, making it challenging to assess dynamic economic expansion.
While generally safe, the safety index of 49 suggests a moderate level of perceived safety, which might be a consideration for some.
The median age of 44 years indicates a relatively older population, which might mean a less vibrant youth culture compared to larger university towns.
The city's conservative and close-knit community might present challenges for international residents seeking to integrate quickly.
Compared to major metropolitan areas, Amberg may offer fewer diverse entertainment and nightlife options.
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.
Amberg
#3Bavaria, Germany
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$630
Avg Salary
$60,000
Cost Index
60
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
65.0/10
Walkability
75.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
4.00%
Livability
74
Business
65
Binghamton
#94New York, USA
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,138
Avg Salary
$55,000
Cost Index
110
Commute
16 min
Transit Score
33.0/10
Walkability
55.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.90%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
68
Business
60
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