City Comparison
Melli vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Melli scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Melli
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Melli is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
77% lower than in Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Melli's average rent is
81% lower than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Melli | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $220 | $1,138 | -81% |
| Groceries | $150 | $404 | -63% |
| Utilities | $45 | $194 | -77% |
| Transport | $40 | $312 | -87% |
| Healthcare | $60 | $226 | -73% |
| Monthly Total | $515 | $2,274 | -77% |
| Cost Index | 32 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 93% 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 Melli is estimated at
$3,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Melli | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $3,800 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $3,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 11,875 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $4,500 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Melli runs warmer on average — a 74.7°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Melli comes out ahead with 163 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Melli sees 0 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Melli | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 74.70°F | °F |
| Summer High | 89.40°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 52.80°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 114.70 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 163 | |
| Humidity | 78.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Melli.
Melli scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Melli leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Melli | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Binghamton is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x the population of Melli.
From a growth perspective, Melli 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 | Melli | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 7,500 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.10% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 33.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.50% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Melli
Advantages
Strategic geographic location serving as a key transit and trade gateway to Sikkim
Scenic Himalayan environment with clean air and mild overall climate conditions
Lower cost of living and affordable daily expenses compared to major Indian metros
Low crime rates and a strong community-oriented social environment
Growing tourism and commercial trade opportunities supporting local business growth
Drawbacks
Vulnerability to highway disruptions and landslides during heavy monsoon seasons
Limited availability of advanced healthcare facilities within city limits
Restricted land purchase options for non-Sikkimese residents due to local laws
Limited public transit options beyond shared jeeps and private hire vehicles
Narrow industrial diversification mostly limited to retail, trade, and hospitality
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.
Melli
#72Sikkim, India
79.4 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$220
Avg Salary
$3,800
Cost Index
32
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
163/yr
Avg Temp
74.70°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
72
Business
60
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
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Melli and Binghamton.
Open Cost Calculator