City Comparison
Manila vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Manila scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Manila
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Manila is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
53% lower than in Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Manila's average rent is
52% lower than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Manila | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $550 | $1,138 | -52% |
| Groceries | $250 | $404 | -38% |
| Utilities | $120 | $194 | -38% |
| Transport | $60 | $312 | -81% |
| Healthcare | $100 | $226 | -56% |
| Monthly Total | $1,080 | $2,274 | -53% |
| Cost Index | 38 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 83% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Binghamton delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Manila is estimated at
$8,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Manila | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $9,600 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $8,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 25,263 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $12,000 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Manila runs warmer on average — a 82.8°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Manila comes out ahead with 129 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Manila sees 0 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Manila | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 82.80°F | °F |
| Summer High | 86.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 75.60°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 93.80 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 129 | |
| Humidity | 78.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
14,500 minutes (242 hours) per year compared to Manila.
Manila scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Binghamton leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Manila | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 45 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 48.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 82.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Manila is the larger city
— approximately 39.5x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Manila 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 | Manila | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,846,513 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.50% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 27.5 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.80% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Manila
Advantages
English proficiency is exceptionally high, making it one of the easiest Asian cities for English-speaking expats to navigate.
Thriving culinary and cafe culture offering diverse options from local street food to high-end international dining.
Lower overall cost of living compared to Western countries, stretching disposable income further.
Strategic hub in Southeast Asia with extensive flight connections across the region.
World-class private healthcare facilities offering advanced medical treatments at competitive prices.
Drawbacks
Severe traffic congestion heavily impacts daily commuting times and overall urban mobility.
Vulnerability to seasonal typhoons, monsoon flooding, and climate-related weather disruptions.
High density and rapid urbanization contribute to urban heat island effects and air quality challenges.
Wide income inequality is visible between affluent business districts and low-income residential areas.
Bureaucratic red tape can complicate administrative processes for business registration and residency.
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.
Manila
#6Luzon, Philippines
77.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$550
Avg Salary
$9,600
Cost Index
38
Commute
45 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
48.0/100
Sunny Days
129/yr
Avg Temp
82.80°F
Pop. Growth
1.50%
Unemployment
4.80%
Livability
67
Business
72
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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