City Comparison
Havelock vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Havelock scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Havelock
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Binghamton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
4% lower than in Havelock.
Housing costs are a major driver: Havelock's average rent is
27% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Havelock | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,450 | $1,138 | +27% |
| Groceries | $420 | $404 | +4% |
| Utilities | $160 | $194 | -18% |
| Transport | $150 | $312 | -52% |
| Healthcare | $200 | $226 | -12% |
| Monthly Total | $2,380 | $2,274 | +5% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 5% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Havelock delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Havelock is estimated at
$46,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Havelock | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $52,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $46,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 56,522 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $54,000 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Havelock | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,500 minutes (75 hours) per year compared to Havelock.
Binghamton scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Havelock leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Havelock | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 65.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 20.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Binghamton is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Binghamton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Binghamton has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Havelock | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 650 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.80% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 45.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.80% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Havelock
Advantages
World-renowned hub for the aquaculture and Greenshell mussel industry providing steady local employment.
Exceptional access to boating, fishing, and hiking in the Pelorus Sound and Marlborough region.
Lower median housing costs and property prices compared to New Zealand's major metropolitan centers.
Strong community safety profile with a peaceful, low-crime rural and coastal environment.
Proximity to world-famous Marlborough wine regions and the broader amenities of Blenheim.
Drawbacks
High reliance on private vehicles due to limited public transportation options within the town.
Limited local secondary healthcare facilities, requiring travel to Blenheim for hospital care.
Tight long-term rental housing supply, particularly influenced by seasonal tourism and agricultural cycles.
Fewer local employment sectors outside of aquaculture, tourism, and forestry without commuting.
Quieter nightlife and entertainment options within town limits.
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.
Havelock
#30Blenheim, New Zealand
63.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$52,000
Cost Index
92
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
30.0/100
Walkability
65.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
4.80%
Livability
76
Business
65
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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