Performance
Score Breakdown
Kapolei
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Binghamton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
130% higher compared to Kapolei.
Housing costs are a major driver: Kapolei's average rent is
201% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Kapolei | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $3,420 | $1,138 | +201% |
| Groceries | $459 | $404 | +14% |
| Utilities | $396 | $194 | +104% |
| Transport | $200 | $312 | -36% |
| Healthcare | $759 | $226 | +236% |
| Monthly Total | $5,234 | $2,274 | +130% |
| Cost Index | 151 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 15% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Binghamton delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Kapolei is estimated at
$85,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Kapolei | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $46,510 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $85,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 30,801 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $128,324 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Kapolei | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 66.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
7,500 minutes (125 hours) per year compared to Kapolei.
Binghamton 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 | Kapolei | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 31 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 33.0/10 |
| Walkability | 40.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 50.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Binghamton is the larger city
— approximately 0.5x the population of Kapolei.
From a growth perspective, Kapolei is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Kapolei has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Kapolei | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 24,844 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.49% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 35.3 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 2.40% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Kapolei
Advantages
Kapolei is experiencing rapid development and expanding infrastructure, offering urban amenities without the intense hustle of Honolulu.
The city provides a family-friendly environment with excellent schools, parks, and community centers.
Residents have abundant opportunities for outdoor activities, including access to pristine beaches and hiking trails.
Kapolei offers diverse employment opportunities across various industries, including technology, healthcare, and hospitality.
The overall crime rate in Kapolei is 26% below the national average, contributing to a sense of safety.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Kapolei is 51% higher than the national average, primarily driven by high housing, utility, and grocery costs.
Traffic congestion is a significant issue, particularly during commute hours, impacting travel times.
Public transportation options are limited, and the city is largely car-dependent.
Healthcare access can be a challenge, despite good quality, with Hawaii ranking 39th nationally for access in 2025.
Utility costs, including electricity and internet, are among the highest in the nation due to Hawaii's reliance on imported fuel.
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.
Kapolei
#49Hawaii, USA
71.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$3,420
Avg Salary
$46,510
Cost Index
151
Commute
31 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
40.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.49%
Unemployment
2.40%
Livability
68
Business
70
Binghamton
#90New 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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