City Comparison
Masafi vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Masafi scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Masafi
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Masafi is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
16% lower than in Binghamton.
| Metric | Masafi | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,100 | $1,138 | -3% |
| Groceries | $350 | $404 | -13% |
| Utilities | $160 | $194 | -18% |
| Transport | $110 | $312 | -65% |
| Healthcare | $200 | $226 | -12% |
| Monthly Total | $1,920 | $2,274 | -16% |
| Cost Index | 78 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 18% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Masafi delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Masafi is estimated at
$38,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Masafi | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $45,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $38,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 57,692 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $48,000 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Masafi | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 45.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,500 minutes (75 hours) per year compared to Masafi.
Masafi scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Masafi leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Masafi | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Binghamton is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x the population of Masafi.
From a growth perspective, Masafi is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Masafi has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Masafi | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,500 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.50% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 35.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 2.30% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Masafi
Advantages
Significantly lower housing and rental costs compared to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and central Fujairah
Refreshing mountain microclimate offering cooler temperatures and lower humidity during peak summer months
Exceptional safety profile with near-zero violent crime and strong community trust
Immediate proximity to scenic natural wonders, hiking trails, and historic sites like Masafi Fort
Home to world-class natural mineral water operations providing stable local employment and economic resilience
Drawbacks
Limited public transportation infrastructure requiring heavy reliance on personal motor vehicles
Narrower range of high-end entertainment, luxury shopping, and cosmopolitan nightlife options
Fewer immediate white-collar corporate headquarters compared to major UAE financial hubs
Summer temperatures remain high despite mountain elevation, necessitating heavy cooling reliance
Limited local higher education institutions requiring students to commute to larger cities
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.
Masafi
#49Fujairah, UAE
76.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,100
Avg Salary
$45,000
Cost Index
78
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.50%
Unemployment
2.30%
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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