City Comparison
Matamata vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Matamata scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Matamata
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Matamata is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
5% lower than in Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Matamata's average rent is
23% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Matamata | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,400 | $1,138 | +23% |
| Groceries | $380 | $404 | -6% |
| Utilities | $160 | $194 | -18% |
| Transport | $110 | $312 | -65% |
| Healthcare | $120 | $226 | -47% |
| Monthly Total | $2,170 | $2,274 | -5% |
| Cost Index | 88 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 5% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Matamata delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Matamata is estimated at
$45,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Matamata | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $52,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 59,091 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $58,000 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Matamata runs warmer on average — a 57.1°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Matamata comes out ahead with 220 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Matamata sees 0 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Matamata | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 57.10°F | °F |
| Summer High | 56.40°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 55.30°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 63.30 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 220 | |
| Humidity | 78.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Matamata.
Matamata scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Matamata leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Matamata | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 65.0/100 | 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 Matamata.
From a growth perspective, Matamata 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 | Matamata | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,400 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.10% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 41.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.80% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Matamata
Advantages
World-famous tourism hub providing a unique local economy centered around the Hobbiton Movie Set
Affordable housing options compared to major New Zealand cities like Auckland and Tauranga
Low crime rates and a strong, welcoming community-oriented safety profile
Proximity to stunning natural landscapes including the Kaimai Ranges and regional walking trails
Strong agricultural and dairy sector providing stable regional employment opportunities
Drawbacks
High reliance on private motor vehicles due to limited public transit options
Fluctuating seasonal tourism pressures impacting local traffic and accommodation availability
Limited specialized healthcare facilities locally, requiring travel to Hamilton for advanced care
Narrowing rental vacancy rates due to growing regional migration and housing demand
Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to larger urban centers
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.
Matamata
#17Waikato, New Zealand
66.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,400
Avg Salary
$52,000
Cost Index
88
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
65.0/100
Sunny Days
220/yr
Avg Temp
57.10°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
4.80%
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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