City Comparison
Kalba vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Kalba scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Kalba
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Kalba is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
14% lower than in Binghamton.
| Metric | Kalba | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,100 | $1,138 | -3% |
| Groceries | $380 | $404 | -6% |
| Utilities | $160 | $194 | -18% |
| Transport | $110 | $312 | -65% |
| Healthcare | $200 | $226 | -12% |
| Monthly Total | $1,950 | $2,274 | -14% |
| Cost Index | 78 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 18% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Kalba delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Kalba is estimated at
$40,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Kalba | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $45,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $40,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 57,692 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $52,000 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Kalba runs warmer on average — a 82.7°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Kalba comes out ahead with 352 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Kalba sees 0 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Kalba | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 82.70°F | °F |
| Summer High | 97.80°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 63.00°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 2.70 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 352 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,500 minutes (75 hours) per year compared to Kalba.
Kalba scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Kalba leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Kalba | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 40.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 35.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Kalba is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Kalba is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Kalba has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Kalba | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 48,000 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.50% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 34.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 2.20% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Kalba
Advantages
Significantly lower housing and rental costs compared to major UAE urban centers like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Proximity to unique natural ecosystems, including the Khor Kalba mangrove forest and Hajar Mountains.
Exceptionally low crime rates and a secure environment ideal for raising families.
Abundant sunshine with over 350 sunny days per year and clean coastal air.
Ongoing government infrastructure investments improving local amenities and ecotourism.
Drawbacks
Extremely hot and humid summer climate limits comfortable outdoor daytime activities for several months.
Limited local public transportation options require heavy reliance on personal vehicles.
Narrower local job market compared to Dubai or Sharjah City, necessitating commutes for specialized roles.
Fewer large-scale entertainment venues and shopping malls within immediate town limits.
Summer humidity can be intense, averaging around 65% or higher along the coast.
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.
Kalba
#45Sharjah, UAE
77.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,100
Avg Salary
$45,000
Cost Index
78
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
40.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
352/yr
Avg Temp
82.70°F
Pop. Growth
1.50%
Unemployment
2.20%
Livability
78
Business
68
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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