City Comparison
Al Zahra vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Al Zahra scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Al Zahra
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Binghamton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
63% lower than in Al Zahra.
Housing costs are a major driver: Al Zahra's average rent is
383% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Al Zahra | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $5,500 | $1,138 | +383% |
| Groceries | $327 | $404 | -19% |
| Utilities | $151 | $194 | -22% |
| Transport | $68 | $312 | -78% |
| Healthcare | $49 | $226 | -78% |
| Monthly Total | $6,095 | $2,274 | +168% |
| Cost Index | 45 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 43% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Al Zahra delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Al Zahra is estimated at
$40,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Al Zahra | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $31,200 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $40,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 69,333 idx | 50,000 idx |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Al Zahra | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 61.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
14,500 minutes (242 hours) per year compared to Al Zahra.
Al Zahra scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
| Metric | Al Zahra | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 45 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 40.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 55.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 355.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Al Zahra is the larger city
— approximately 9.2x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Al Zahra is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Al Zahra has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Al Zahra | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 430,000 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 5.13% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 35.9 | |
| Unemployment | 2.17% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Al Zahra
Advantages
Ajman offers a significantly lower cost of living and rental prices compared to Dubai and Sharjah, making it highly affordable for residents.
Ajman consistently ranks among the world's safest cities, with perfect daytime safety scores and very high nighttime safety ratings.
The real estate market in Ajman has experienced substantial growth and offers competitive prices, attracting both buyers and investors.
Ajman provides a strategic location with easy access to Dubai and Sharjah, facilitating commutes and access to broader economic opportunities.
The emirate boasts a growing economy with a focus on manufacturing, trade, and logistics, supported by investor-friendly policies and free zones like AFZ.
Drawbacks
Public transportation options in Al Zahra and Ajman are limited, leading to a high dependency on private vehicles and taxis.
Traffic congestion and longer commute times, especially when traveling to neighboring emirates like Dubai, are common challenges.
Salaries in Ajman may be lower on average compared to major hubs like Dubai.
Entertainment and leisure facilities within Al Zahra itself may be limited, requiring travel to other areas for a wider range of options.
The Quality of Life Index for Ajman is rated as moderate, suggesting room for improvement in certain lifestyle aspects despite high safety and affordability.
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.
Al Zahra
#5Ajman, UAE
91.2 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$5,500
Avg Salary
$31,200
Cost Index
45
Commute
45 min
Transit Score
40.0/100
Walkability
55.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
5.13%
Unemployment
2.17%
Livability
70
Business
75
Binghamton
#603New York, USA
38.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,138
Avg Salary
$55,000
Cost Index
110
Commute
16 min
Transit Score
33.0/100
Walkability
55.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.90%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
68
Business
60
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