Performance
Score Breakdown
Shibing
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Shibing is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
71% lower compared to Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Shibing's average rent is
78% lower than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Shibing | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $250 | $1,138 | -78% |
| Groceries | $250 | $404 | -38% |
| Utilities | $28 | $194 | -86% |
| Transport | $30 | $312 | -90% |
| Healthcare | $100 | $226 | -56% |
| Monthly Total | $658 | $2,274 | -71% |
| Cost Index | 40 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 98% 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 Shibing is estimated at
$700 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Shibing | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $850 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $700 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 2,125 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $10,000 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Shibing | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 80.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,500 minutes (75 hours) per year compared to Shibing.
Shibing scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Binghamton leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Shibing | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 40.0/10 | 33.0/10 |
| Walkability | 50.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Shibing 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 | Shibing | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 170,000 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 36.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 5.50% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Shibing
Advantages
Home to Shibing Karst, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering unique natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Significantly lower cost of living compared to major Chinese cities and international averages, particularly for housing and daily expenses.
Rich ethnic minority culture, especially the Miao people, providing unique cultural experiences.
Humid subtropical climate with mild winters and summers that are not excessively hot.
Growing tourism sector driven by natural attractions and government investment in infrastructure.
Drawbacks
Limited specific economic data available for the county, making detailed analysis challenging.
Lower average salaries compared to major urban centers in China.
Reliance on tourism and agriculture may limit diverse job opportunities.
Mountainous terrain can pose challenges for transportation, despite significant infrastructure improvements in the province.
Fewer urban amenities and entertainment options compared 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.
Shibing
#6Guizhou, China
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$250
Avg Salary
$850
Cost Index
40
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
40.0/10
Walkability
50.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
5.50%
Livability
72
Business
60
Binghamton
#94New York, USA
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,138
Avg Salary
$55,000
Cost Index
110
Commute
16 min
Transit Score
33.0/10
Walkability
55.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.90%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
68
Business
60
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