Performance
Score Breakdown
Zhaotong
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Zhaotong is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
65% lower compared to Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Zhaotong's average rent is
76% lower than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Zhaotong | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $273 | $1,138 | -76% |
| Groceries | $300 | $404 | -26% |
| Utilities | $80 | $194 | -59% |
| Transport | $50 | $312 | -84% |
| Healthcare | $100 | $226 | -56% |
| Monthly Total | $803 | $2,274 | -65% |
| Cost Index | 32 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 80% 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 Zhaotong is estimated at
$9,636 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Zhaotong | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $11,172 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $9,636 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 34,913 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $15,000 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Zhaotong | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
6,000 minutes (100 hours) per year compared to Zhaotong.
Zhaotong scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Zhaotong leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Zhaotong | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 60.0/10 | 33.0/10 |
| Walkability | 65.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 55.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Zhaotong is the larger city
— approximately 8.3x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Zhaotong 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 | Zhaotong | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 390,000 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.09% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 35.9 | |
| Unemployment | 5.50% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Zhaotong
Advantages
Very low cost of living, with average monthly expenses for an individual around $618.
Affordable rental market, with a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costing approximately $273 per month.
Rich agricultural sector, being China's largest high-quality apple production base in the south.
Extensive public bus network providing affordable city transit.
Generally safe environment for residents and travelers.
Drawbacks
Average salaries are significantly lower than national urban averages, with a median after-tax monthly salary of $931.
Lack of a metro or tram system, relying solely on buses for public transit.
Traffic congestion can be heavy on busy main roads.
Limited specific city-level data for various economic and demographic metrics, indicating less developed data infrastructure.
No direct data available for median age, making demographic analysis less complete.
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.
Zhaotong
#9Yunnan, China
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$273
Avg Salary
$11,172
Cost Index
32
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
60.0/10
Walkability
65.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.09%
Unemployment
5.50%
Livability
70
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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