Performance
Score Breakdown
Laramie
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Laramie is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
6% lower compared to Binghamton.
| Metric | Laramie | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,149 | $1,138 | +1% |
| Groceries | $377 | $404 | -7% |
| Utilities | $352 | $194 | +81% |
| Transport | $120 | $312 | -62% |
| Healthcare | $138 | $226 | -39% |
| Monthly Total | $2,136 | $2,274 | -6% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Laramie offers 18% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Laramie delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Laramie is estimated at
$31,776 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Laramie | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,136 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $31,776 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 68,564 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $55,613 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Laramie | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 46.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Laramie has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Binghamton.
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 | Laramie | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 13 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 33.0/10 |
| Walkability | 40.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Binghamton is the larger city
— approximately 0.7x the population of Laramie.
From a growth perspective, Binghamton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Laramie has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Laramie | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 32,511 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.70% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 26.9 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 2.20% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Laramie
Advantages
The cost of living in Laramie is lower than the national average, particularly for housing and groceries.
Laramie has a violent crime rate significantly below the national average, making it a very safe place to live.
The city offers a strong sense of community and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
There are abundant outdoor activities available, including hiking, biking, skiing, and fishing, due to its proximity to mountains and forests.
Commute times are significantly shorter than the national average, at only 13 minutes.
Drawbacks
Childcare and dining out costs can be more expensive in Laramie compared to the national average.
Some residents may need to travel to larger cities for specialized medical care or extensive shopping options.
Despite growth, Laramie can still feel somewhat isolated, with a "middle of nowhere" feel for some.
The median household income in Laramie is lower than the national average.
The housing market, while affordable, has seen a slight decrease in median home prices in early 2026.
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.
Laramie
#25Wyoming, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,149
Avg Salary
$65,136
Cost Index
95
Commute
13 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
40.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.70%
Unemployment
2.20%
Livability
74
Business
68
Binghamton
#106New 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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