Skyline of Binghamton
Cost of Living: 90 47,000

Binghamton, NY, US

Triple Cities hub with Binghamton University, the Spiedie, and the Susquehanna River.

Updated August 11, 2026
Cost of Living 90

Below Average vs US Avg (100)

Housing Index 92

Affordable

Median Income $48,000

Household income

Unemployment 4.2%

Job market health

Binghamton vs US Average

Cost of Living
Binghamton: 90
US Avg: 100
Housing Index
Binghamton: 92
US Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Binghamton: 6.85%
US Avg: ~5%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 6.8%
  • Sales Tax: 8.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $48,000
  • Unemployment: 4.2%
  • Population: 47,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 160/year
  • Summer High: 82°F
  • Winter Low: 18°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5a

Housing

  • Median Home: $160,000
  • 1BR Rent: $950/mo

Cost of Living

Binghamton's cost of living index is 90 (US average = 100).

CategoryBinghamtonNational AverageDifference
Overall90100-10.0%
Housing92100-8.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$160,000
Median Rent (1BR)$950/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$1,188/mo
Price per Sq Ft$106

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

$
%
$90,000 down
%
%
$

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Binghamton:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$177Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage
Heating & Cooling$126Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric
Cooling (AC)N/AEstimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water$70Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$80Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total Utilities$453Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Remote Work Score

Binghamton scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
90
Rent
$950
Sunny Days
160
Tax
6.85%
Unemployment
4.2%
Climate
82°F / 18°F
Safety
5.8 homicides/100k
Population
47,000
Internet Speed
200 Mbps

Climate

Binghamton has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January38°F18°F2.5"
April67°F33°F2.8"
July82°F57°F1.5"
October62°F36°F2.2"
USDA Zone 5a

Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees

Natural Hazards

Binghamton faces the following natural hazards:

Flood High Risk

Susquehanna River flooding.

Blizzard High Risk

Severe lake-effect snow.

Hurricane Moderate Risk

Coastal areas affected by hurricanes.

Tornado Moderate Risk

Tornado risk.

Avalanche Moderate Risk

Adirondacks with avalanches.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 6.85%
  • Sales Tax: 8%
  • Property Tax: ~1.72% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 4.2%.

Schools & Education

60/100
School Quality Score
Better than 85% of US cities
?
20
Total Schools
5.0:1
Student:Teacher
98.4%
Free/Reduced Lunch

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

Universities & Higher Education

2
Universities
#709
Top University Rank
Top-Ranked University Binghamton University

Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Binghamton, NY, US?

The cost of living index in Binghamton is 90, which is Lower the US national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Binghamton?

The median home price in Binghamton is $160,000. The housing index is 92.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Binghamton is approximately $950/mo.

Does Binghamton, NY have income tax?

Binghamton is in NY, which has an income tax rate of 6.85%.

What is the climate like in Binghamton?

Binghamton enjoys approximately 160 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 82°F, while winter lows can drop to around 18°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
  • Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.