City Comparison
Zacatecas vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Zacatecas scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Zacatecas
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Zacatecas is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
67% lower than in Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Zacatecas's average rent is
69% lower than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Zacatecas | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $350 | $1,138 | -69% |
| Groceries | $200 | $404 | -50% |
| Utilities | $65 | $194 | -66% |
| Transport | $50 | $312 | -84% |
| Healthcare | $80 | $226 | -65% |
| Monthly Total | $745 | $2,274 | -67% |
| Cost Index | 38 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 83% 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 Zacatecas is estimated at
$8,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Zacatecas | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $9,600 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $8,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 25,263 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $11,000 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Zacatecas runs warmer on average — a 61.4°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Zacatecas comes out ahead with 269 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Zacatecas sees 0 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Zacatecas | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 61.40°F | °F |
| Summer High | 73.40°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 45.60°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 24.30 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 269 | |
| Humidity | 55.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,500 minutes (75 hours) per year compared to Zacatecas.
Zacatecas scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Zacatecas leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Zacatecas | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 58.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 62.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Zacatecas is the larger city
— approximately 3.2x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Zacatecas is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Zacatecas has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Zacatecas | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 148,500 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.10% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 30.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 3.50% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Zacatecas
Advantages
Exceptional affordability with average monthly rents for a 1-bedroom apartment hovering around $350 USD.
Stunning UNESCO World Heritage colonial architecture and rich cultural heritage.
Mild summer temperatures with an average high of 73.4°F per Open-Meteo climate data.
Vibrant local arts and museum scene, featuring world-class collections like the Pedro Coronel Museum.
Strategic location in north-central Mexico with accessible connectivity to major regional hubs.
Drawbacks
Cool winter lows averaging 45.6°F, with many historic homes lacking central heating.
Regional security concerns in the broader state of Zacatecas affecting travel perception.
Limited high-paying local job opportunities outside of mining, government, and education.
Hilly, steep terrain and narrow cobblestone streets present mobility challenges for pedestrians.
Specialized medical care requires travel to larger metropolitan medical centers.
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.
Zacatecas
#138Zacatecas, Mexico
72.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$350
Avg Salary
$9,600
Cost Index
38
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
58.0/100
Walkability
62.0/100
Sunny Days
269/yr
Avg Temp
61.40°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
3.50%
Livability
70
Business
62
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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