Table of Contents Show

Thinking about relocating to Binghamton, New York? This detailed guide covers what life is like in Binghamton – from the cost of living and housing to schools, jobs, and local amenities. All facts are backed by recent data (mostly 2022-2025).

Binghamton offers a low cost of living compared to many other places. Overall expenses in Binghamton are about 19% lower than the U.S. average. Living here is also much cheaper than living in the average New York State community – roughly 34% lower than the NY state average cost.

Everyday expenses like groceries and utilities tend to be a bit below the national average. One index puts Binghamton’s cost of living score around 88 (with 100 being the U.S. average), meaning it’s about 12% cheaper than the nation overall.

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. Residents generally pay a bit less for things like food (groceries are ~10% below U.S. average) and healthcare services compared to national norms.

Demographics

College friendliness: 61.74
Family friendliness: 25.96
Young singles appeal: 56.15
Retirement friendliness: 39.10
First-time homebuyer friendliness: 9.58
Vacation home appeal: 0.00

Binghamton exhibits moderate appeal for college students and young singles, indicating the presence of educational institutions or youthful amenities. However, notably low scores in family friendliness and first-time homebuyer friendliness suggest challenges in affordability or supportive community amenities for these groups. The town’s lack of vacation home appeal aligns with its identity as primarily residential or educational rather than recreational.

Lifestyle

Luxury living: 43.78
Hip & trendy factor: 77.94
Quietness: 39.94
Nautical/boating lifestyle: 0.00
Urban sophistication: 46.13
Walkability: 74.61
Car friendliness: 67.92
Cycling friendliness: 14.64
Vibrancy/liveliness: 67.22
Public transit friendliness: 0.00

Binghamton scores highly in hip & trendy appeal and walkability, reflecting a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly urban environment with appealing modern amenities. 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

Median Home Prices Over Time, Binghamton, NY — Home Stratosphere | Zillow Home Values Index

One of Binghamton’s 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. By comparison, the median home price nationwide is about $338,000, and the New York State median is over $400,000.

In other words, buying a home in Binghamton can be over 60% cheaper than the U.S. average and roughly one-quarter the cost of a home in downstate New York.

Despite the low prices, you’ll find a variety of home types. Binghamton is an older city, so many houses are historic or mid-century builds. In fact, over 60% of the housing stock was built before 1940. You can find charming older homes (Victorian and early 20th-century styles) in the city’s neighborhoods. 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 means a lot of properties are available as rentals (or could be investment properties), which keeps prices from spiking too high.

Property types range from small starter homes under $100K to larger suburban-style houses in the $200K+ range in nearby suburbs. Property taxes, however, are on the high side, so that’s something to budget for even if the mortgage is low.

YoY Home Price Change, Binghamton, NY — Home Stratosphere | Zillow Home Values Index

The housing market in Binghamton initially faced consecutive declines from 2010 to 2015, reflecting a challenging economic environment or reduced demand. However, from 2016 onward, the market demonstrated a strong recovery, with notable spikes in 2019 and particularly in 2022, indicating renewed interest or local economic improvements. The sustained upward trend from 2019 to 2025 highlights increasing market confidence, likely driven by enhanced livability and community amenities appealing to a younger demographic. 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. It’s also dramatically cheaper than rents in New York State’s big cities – nearly half the cost of the state average rent, which is around $1,960 for a two-bedroom.

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, you’ll find lots of duplex-style rentals in converted houses. There are also some modern apartment communities, especially in downtown and near Binghamton University’s downtown campus.

Overall, renting is quite attainable on a modest income. As a rule of thumb, a $1,000/month rent in Binghamton might get you a nice two-bedroom with parking in a good part of town – something that could cost double in a larger metro.

Economy and Job Market

Binghamton’s economy has evolved from its industrial past into one focused on education, healthcare, and services. The city is home to several major employers that drive the local job market. Binghamton University (SUNY) is one of the top employers. The healthcare sector is also huge: United Health Services (UHS) – a regional hospital system – and Lourdes Hospital (Ascension Lourdes) are among the largest employers in Broome County.

Additionally, some high-tech and manufacturing companies remain important. For example, Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems (both defense/aerospace firms) operate in the area and employ local engineers and technicians. 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 area’s unemployment averaged about 3.7%, which is on par with national levels. However, the region’s economy is smaller than in past decades, and job growth has been modest.

Today, about 21,000 people work in government roles, 19,000 in education and health services, 10,000 in manufacturing, and around 18,000 in trade/transportation/utilities in the metro area. Healthcare and education are the fastest-growing sectors, reflecting the city’s 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 State’s median household income.

One challenge is the poverty rate, which is high. Approximately 32-33% of Binghamton’s residents live below the poverty line, more than double the U.S. poverty rate.

Taxes in Binghamton

When planning your finances for a move to Binghamton, it’s important to understand the tax situation:

Property Taxes

Property taxes in Binghamton are high relative to home values. The city, county, and school district all levy property taxes. In 2025, the combined tax rate for a homeowner in the city was about $64.75 per $1,000 of assessed value. Because properties are assessed below full market value (2024 equalization rate ~58%), this works out to roughly an effective tax rate around 3.8% of a home’s market value.

For example, a $120,000 house might have around $4,000+ in yearly property taxes. This rate is well above the U.S. average (around 1% of value) and even higher than the New York State average rate.

Sales Tax

The sales tax in Binghamton is 8.0% on most purchases. This is a combination of the New York State base rate of 4% and a Broome County local rate of 4%. An 8% sales tax is pretty standard for upstate NY counties (and actually lower than NYC’s 8.875%).

Income Tax

New York State income tax will apply to Binghamton residents (the city itself does not have a separate city income tax). New York’s state income tax is progressive, with brackets ranging from 4% up to about 10.9% for the highest earners.

Most middle-income households fall in the middle brackets – for example, incomes roughly $13,000 to $80,000 face rates around 5.5% to 6%. Higher incomes ($80k-$215k) see about 6.85%, and very high incomes pay over 9%.

Transportation and Commuting

Transportation Binghamton, NY — Shutterstock

Binghamton is well-connected by major highways and local transit, making it relatively easy to get around or travel out of the area.

Interstates and Roads

Interstate 81 (I-81) runs north–south through Binghamton, linking it directly to Syracuse (about 1.5 hours north) and south to Scranton, PA. Interstate 88 (I-88) begins near Binghamton and heads northeast toward Albany. Also, New York State Route 17, known as the Southern Tier Expressway, passes through Binghamton.

These highways make Binghamton a convenient crossroads – you can drive to New York City in about 3–3.5 hours, to Buffalo in about 3.5 hours, or to Philadelphia in around 3 hours.

Commuting within Binghamton is usually quick – most places are a 10–20 minute drive away, and traffic jams are rare compared to big cities.

Public Transit

Broome County Transit (BC Transit) operates the public bus system in Binghamton and surrounding areas. The buses run multiple routes across the city and to suburbs like Johnson City, Vestal (where Binghamton University’s main campus is), Endicott, etc.

The bus system is modest in size but functional for those without cars, with a central hub at the Greater Binghamton Transportation Center downtown. 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. The Greater Binghamton Transportation Center downtown is a hub where you can catch Greyhound, Trailways, OurBus, and other lines. There are direct bus routes from Binghamton to New York City, Buffalo, Syracuse, Rochester, Albany, Scranton, and even Toronto.

Air Travel

Binghamton has a regional airport, the Greater Binghamton Airport (BGM), located about 10 miles north of downtown. 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.

With relatively few flights, some travelers in Binghamton use larger airports a bit further away – Syracuse Hancock International Airport (1.5 hours drive) or New York City’s airports (3+ hours drive) – for more options.

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. Binghamton’s crime rate is higher than average, especially compared to smaller towns or the national norm. According to composite crime indexes, Binghamton’s 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.

To break it down: violent crime in Binghamton occurs at a rate of around 22.9 incidents per 1,000 residents, while the national average is about 13.8 per 1,000. Property crime in Binghamton is roughly 35.0 per 1,000 residents, compared to about 19.5 per 1,000 nationally.

It’s important to note that crime in Binghamton is concentrated in certain neighborhoods and often related to drug issues or property crimes in poorer areas. The city has been working to improve public safety. In fact, recent trends show some improvement: between 2018 and 2023, the overall crime rate in Binghamton decreased slightly (by a few percent).

Areas on the West Side and by the hospitals/university downtown tend to be safer, while parts of the North Side and some East and First Ward areas have higher crime rates.

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. This includes several elementary schools, two middle schools, and Binghamton High School as the single public high school.

In terms of academic performance, Binghamton’s 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 State’s average proficiency rates.

The high school graduation rate has been rising – it’s about 71% as of 2022. While this is still lower than the New York State average graduation rate (~86%), it’s up from around 64% five years prior.

Suburban districts such as Vestal, Johnson City, Maine-Endwell, and Chenango Valley typically have higher test scores and graduation rates, so some families opt to live just outside city limits for those schools.

Higher Education

Binghamton is home to Binghamton University (State University of New York), which is one of the top public universities in the nation. It enrolls over 18,000 students and is highly ranked for its academics and value. There’s also SUNY Broome Community College in nearby Dickinson, offering two-year degrees and workforce training.

Recreation, Culture, and Amenities

Despite its small size, Binghamton offers a range of amenities and entertainment options that contribute to a good quality of life:

Parks and Outdoors

Binghamton has numerous parks and green spaces. A local favorite is Recreation Park (Rec Park) on the West Side. Binghamton is nicknamed the “Carousel Capital of the World.” It is home to six antique carousels, gifted by a local benefactor in the 1920s, which operate in parks around the area.

Another popular green space is Otsiningo Park, along the Chenango River, which has running/biking trails and hosts events (like the Spiedie Fest). The Spiedie Fest and Balloon Rally is a big annual festival celebrating the “spiedie” (a local marinated meat sandwich) with hot air balloons, music, and food, attracting over 100,000 visitors each summer.

Museums and Arts

Binghamton has a surprisingly vibrant arts scene. The Roberson Museum and Science Center in downtown Binghamton features local history exhibits, a digital planetarium, and art galleries. There’s also the Bundy Museum of History and Art, which showcases local history. The Phelps Mansion Museum is a preserved 19th-century mansion you can tour. For kids, the Discovery Center is an interactive children’s museum with play-and-learn exhibits.

The Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park is a small but historic zoo; it opened in 1875, making it the fifth-oldest zoo in the U.S.

The city also has a rich performing arts scene with the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra and the Tri-Cities Opera company. A popular event is the First Friday Art Walk – on the first Friday of each month, downtown art galleries and shops open for evening receptions.

Restaurants and Food

While Binghamton is not a huge city, it has a diverse dining scene. A must-try local specialty is the Spiedie. Spiedies are marinated cubes of meat (often chicken) grilled on skewers, then served in a submarine roll – a bit like a kabob sandwich.

Besides spiedies, Binghamton has everything from quaint coffee shops and delis to upscale eateries in the downtown area. The city’s ethnic diversity means you can find pierogies, goulash, Middle Eastern cuisine, and more.

Sports and Athletics

Sports fans will find minor league and collegiate action in Binghamton. Currently, the Binghamton Rumble Ponies (Double-A affiliate of the New York Mets) play at Mirabito Stadium downtown. For hockey, the Binghamton Black Bears began play in 2021. Binghamton University’s NCAA Division I teams (the BU Bearcats) also offer entertainment.

Demographics and Population Trends

Binghamton is a small city of about 47,000 people, serving as the center of a metro area (Broome County and surrounding) of roughly 245,000. The city’s 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%. There’s 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 city’s affordability for younger families. The median age in Binghamton is about 35 years (compared to ~39 for the U.S.). Around 15% of residents are 18-24 years old (that includes college students), and roughly 19% are under 18.

Climate and Environment

Binghamton experiences a classic four-season climate with cold, snowy winters and warm, pleasant summers:

Winters

Winters (December through February) are cold and snowy. The average January high temperature is about 32°F (0°C), and nights drop to around 20°F (-7°C). 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. The hottest month is July, with an average high around 80°F (27°C) and nighttime lows around 63°F (17°C). Only on a few afternoons each summer does the temperature exceed 90°F (~32°C).

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. In 2011, remnants of Tropical Storm Lee dumped heavy rain that overtopped the flood walls, leading to about $1 billion in damage in Greater Binghamton.

If you move to Binghamton, it’s wise to check 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. The air quality index (AQI) is usually in the “Good” range (0-50) on most days, meaning little to no health risk from pollution.

Relocating to Binghamton, NY means embracing a community with affordable living, four-season climate, and a rich local culture. You’ll trade off some big-city conveniences for small-city charm and a lower price tag on life. Like any city, Binghamton has its challenges (economy in transition, some crime, and winter weather), but many residents find that its friendly feel, lack of congestion, and surprising array of amenities make it a satisfying place to call home.

Thinking About Moving to Binghamton, NY? Here’s What You Need To Know

Demographics

Lifestyle

Housing Market and Home Prices

Renting in Binghamton

Economy and Job Market