City Comparison
Mülheim an der Ruhr vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Mülheim an der Ruhr scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Mülheim an der Ruhr
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Mülheim an der Ruhr is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
17% lower than in Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Mülheim an der Ruhr's average rent is
17% lower than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Mülheim an der Ruhr | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $950 | $1,138 | -17% |
| Groceries | $420 | $404 | +4% |
| Utilities | $240 | $194 | +24% |
| Transport | $55 | $312 | -82% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $226 | -3% |
| Monthly Total | $1,885 | $2,274 | -17% |
| Cost Index | 72 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 13% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Mülheim an der Ruhr delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Mülheim an der Ruhr is estimated at
$42,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Mülheim an der Ruhr | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $48,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $42,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 66,667 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $49,000 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Mülheim an der Ruhr runs warmer on average — a 53.5°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Mülheim an der Ruhr comes out ahead with 242 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Mülheim an der Ruhr sees 10.6 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Mülheim an der Ruhr | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 53.50°F | °F |
| Summer High | 75.80°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 35.50°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 31.30 in | in |
| Snowfall | 10.60 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 242 | |
| Humidity | 78.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,500 minutes (92 hours) per year compared to Mülheim an der Ruhr.
Mülheim an der Ruhr scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Mülheim an der Ruhr leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Mülheim an der Ruhr | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 27 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 74.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 72.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 52.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Mülheim an der Ruhr is the larger city
— approximately 3.6x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Binghamton 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 | Mülheim an der Ruhr | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 170,341 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.30% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 44.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 7.80% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Mülheim an der Ruhr
Advantages
Strategic location in the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region with excellent transit connections to Düsseldorf and Essen
Extensive green spaces and parks, including the Mülheimer Stadtgarten and scenic Ruhr River waterfronts
Headquarters of major global corporations like ALDI Süd, offering strong local employment opportunities
Significantly more affordable housing and cost of living compared to nearby major hubs like Munich or Frankfurt
High safety standards and family-friendly neighborhoods such as Speldorf, Broich, and Saarn
Drawbacks
Local job market can be competitive, requiring proficiency in German for many corporate and administrative roles
Property purchase and rental prices have risen notably over recent years in line with regional trends
Traffic congestion during peak commuting hours on major arterial roads connecting to the A40 autobahn
Weather patterns feature a high number of overcast and rainy days throughout the autumn and winter months
Industrial heritage legacy means certain urban districts require ongoing environmental and infrastructural regeneration
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.
Mülheim an der Ruhr
#44North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
62.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$48,000
Cost Index
72
Commute
27 min
Transit Score
74.0/100
Walkability
72.0/100
Sunny Days
242/yr
Avg Temp
53.50°F
Pop. Growth
0.30%
Unemployment
7.80%
Livability
80
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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