City Comparison
Matamoros vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Matamoros scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Matamoros
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Matamoros is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
73% lower than in Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Matamoros's average rent is
78% lower than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Matamoros | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $250 | $1,138 | -78% |
| Groceries | $200 | $404 | -50% |
| Utilities | $65 | $194 | -66% |
| Transport | $50 | $312 | -84% |
| Healthcare | $45 | $226 | -80% |
| Monthly Total | $610 | $2,274 | -73% |
| Cost Index | 38 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 99% 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 Matamoros is estimated at
$500 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Matamoros | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $650 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $500 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 1,711 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $8,500 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Matamoros runs warmer on average — a 74.3°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Matamoros comes out ahead with 335 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Matamoros sees 0 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Matamoros | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 74.30°F | °F |
| Summer High | 94.30°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 48.50°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 6.20 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 335 | |
| Humidity | 42.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Matamoros.
Matamoros scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Matamoros leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Matamoros | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 48.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 35.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Matamoros is the larger city
— approximately 1.1x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Matamoros is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Matamoros has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Matamoros | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 52,358 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.10% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 30.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 3.20% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Matamoros
Advantages
Affordable cost of living significantly lower than Mexico's national average per INEGI data
Favorable real estate prices offering high square footage value for buyers and renters
Strategic location within the Comarca Lagunera metropolitan area with easy access to Torreón
Strong community cohesion and traditional northern Mexican cultural environment
Steady local industrial and agricultural employment base supporting regional stability
Drawbacks
High summer temperatures require energy-efficient cooling solutions and climate adaptation
Limited local public transit options outside of traditional microbuses and taxis
Reliance on neighboring Torreón for specialized healthcare and advanced medical services
Modest local entertainment and cultural infrastructure within city limits
Vulnerability to regional water management and supply challenges in the Laguna region
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.
Matamoros
#62Coahuila, Mexico
76.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$250
Avg Salary
$650
Cost Index
38
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
48.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
335/yr
Avg Temp
74.30°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
70
Business
64
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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