City Comparison
Waikanae vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Waikanae scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Waikanae
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Binghamton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
4% lower than in Waikanae.
Housing costs are a major driver: Waikanae's average rent is
27% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Waikanae | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,450 | $1,138 | +27% |
| Groceries | $420 | $404 | +4% |
| Utilities | $160 | $194 | -18% |
| Transport | $150 | $312 | -52% |
| Healthcare | $200 | $226 | -12% |
| Monthly Total | $2,380 | $2,274 | +5% |
| Cost Index | 98 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 5% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Waikanae delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Waikanae is estimated at
$48,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Waikanae | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $52,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $48,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 53,061 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $54,000 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Waikanae runs warmer on average — a 56.1°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Waikanae comes out ahead with 185 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Waikanae sees 0.1 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Waikanae | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 56.10°F | °F |
| Summer High | 54.60°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 55.70°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 71.00 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.10 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 185 | |
| Humidity | 78.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
14,500 minutes (242 hours) per year compared to Waikanae.
Waikanae scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Waikanae leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Waikanae | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 45 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 58.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 65.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Binghamton is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x the population of Waikanae.
From a growth perspective, Waikanae 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 | Waikanae | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 11,500 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.40% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 52.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.80% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Waikanae
Advantages
Direct commuter rail connection to Wellington via the Kāpiti Line
Proximity to pristine beaches and the Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve
Strong community safety profile and low local crime rates
Vibrant local arts, café culture, and active community groups
Exceptional environment for retirees and outdoor enthusiasts
Drawbacks
Higher housing costs driven by strong demand from retirees and commuters
Limited local high-tech or heavy industrial employment sectors
Reliance on neighboring towns for specialized hospital care
Traffic congestion along State Highway 1 during peak holiday periods
Public transit options outside of the main rail line are limited
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.
Waikanae
#39Wellington, New Zealand
61.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$52,000
Cost Index
98
Commute
45 min
Transit Score
58.0/100
Walkability
65.0/100
Sunny Days
185/yr
Avg Temp
56.10°F
Pop. Growth
1.40%
Unemployment
4.80%
Livability
82
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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