City Comparison
Catbalogan vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Catbalogan scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Catbalogan
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Catbalogan is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
73% lower than in Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Catbalogan's average rent is
78% lower than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Catbalogan | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $250 | $1,138 | -78% |
| Groceries | $180 | $404 | -55% |
| Utilities | $75 | $194 | -61% |
| Transport | $40 | $312 | -87% |
| Healthcare | $80 | $226 | -65% |
| Monthly Total | $625 | $2,274 | -73% |
| Cost Index | 35 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 94% 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 Catbalogan is estimated at
$2,500 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Catbalogan | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $3,200 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $2,500 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 9,143 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $4,500 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Catbalogan runs warmer on average — a 80.2°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Catbalogan comes out ahead with 69 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Catbalogan sees 0 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Catbalogan | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 80.20°F | °F |
| Summer High | 85.40°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 74.20°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 126.30 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 69 | |
| Humidity | 82.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Catbalogan.
Catbalogan scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Catbalogan leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Catbalogan | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 45.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 65.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Low | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Catbalogan is the larger city
— approximately 2.3x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Catbalogan 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 | Catbalogan | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,411 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.10% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 25.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.50% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Catbalogan
Advantages
Significantly lower cost of living and housing expenses compared to major Philippine metropolitan centers like Manila and Cebu.
Abundant supply of fresh, locally caught seafood and agricultural produce from surrounding Samar regions.
Strategic location as the commercial and administrative capital of Samar, offering stable employment in government and retail.
Strong sense of community and rich cultural heritage featuring vibrant local festivals and traditions.
Proportionate access to natural coastal attractions, islands, and eco-tourism spots within close proximity.
Drawbacks
Vulnerability to seasonal typhoons and tropical weather events common in the Eastern Visayas region.
Limited availability of advanced, specialized medical care requiring travel to larger regional hubs like Tacloban.
Traffic congestion along primary commercial corridors during peak market hours.
Limited high-paying corporate job sectors outside of government, education, and local retail.
Higher shipping and transport costs for imported goods and certain modern amenities due to island logistics.
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.
Catbalogan
#7Visayas, Philippines
76.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$250
Avg Salary
$3,200
Cost Index
35
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
45.0/100
Walkability
65.0/100
Sunny Days
69/yr
Avg Temp
80.20°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
67
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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