Performance
Score Breakdown
Akumal
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Binghamton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
23% higher compared to Akumal.
Housing costs are a major driver: Akumal's average rent is
58% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Akumal | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,800 | $1,138 | +58% |
| Groceries | $450 | $404 | +11% |
| Utilities | $180 | $194 | -7% |
| Transport | $120 | $312 | -62% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $226 | +11% |
| Monthly Total | $2,800 | $2,274 | +23% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 100% lower average salaries.
The minimum comfortable salary in Akumal is estimated at
$30,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Akumal | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $0 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $30,000 | $45,000 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Akumal | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | % | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Akumal.
Akumal scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Akumal leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Akumal | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 50.0/10 | 33.0/10 |
| Walkability | 65.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Binghamton is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Akumal is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Akumal has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Akumal | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,154 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.50% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 35.9 | |
| Unemployment | 2.63% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Akumal
Advantages
Akumal boasts a very low crime rate and is considered exceptionally safe for tourists and residents, with a strong emphasis on community security.
It is globally renowned for its marine life, particularly the sea turtles that inhabit its bays, offering unparalleled opportunities for snorkeling and ecotourism.
The town provides a tranquil and laid-back atmosphere, characterized by its small, walkable size and a slower pace of life, appealing to those seeking relaxation.
Akumal's strategic location on the Riviera Maya allows for easy access to other regional attractions like cenotes and Mayan ruins, while maintaining a peaceful environment.
The short-term rental market is robust and growing, presenting attractive investment opportunities for property owners.
Drawbacks
Healthcare facilities within Akumal are limited to a clinic; serious medical emergencies require travel to larger hospitals in nearby cities.
Long-term rental housing can be scarce due to the high demand and profitability of short-term vacation rentals.
The economy is heavily reliant on tourism, making it potentially vulnerable to fluctuations in the travel industry and external economic shocks.
While the town is walkable, public transportation options are limited, and car dependency is moderate for accessing amenities outside the immediate center or for inter-city travel.
Sargassum seaweed can periodically affect beach conditions, impacting the aesthetic appeal and usability of the coastline.
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.
Akumal
#1Quintana Roo, Mexico
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$0
Cost Index
95
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
50.0/10
Walkability
65.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.50%
Unemployment
2.63%
Livability
74
Business
68
Binghamton
#111New 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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