City Comparison
Chukai vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Chukai scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Chukai
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Chukai is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
65% lower than in Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Chukai's average rent is
69% lower than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Chukai | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $350 | $1,138 | -69% |
| Groceries | $220 | $404 | -46% |
| Utilities | $65 | $194 | -66% |
| Transport | $90 | $312 | -71% |
| Healthcare | $60 | $226 | -73% |
| Monthly Total | $785 | $2,274 | -65% |
| Cost Index | 45 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 77% 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 Chukai is estimated at
$10,500 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Chukai | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $12,500 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $10,500 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 27,778 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $11,500 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Chukai runs warmer on average — a 80.5°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Chukai comes out ahead with 81 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Chukai sees 0 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Chukai | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 80.50°F | °F |
| Summer High | 88.40°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 73.20°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 127.00 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 81 | |
| Humidity | 82.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Chukai.
Chukai 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 | Chukai | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 38.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 52.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 35.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Chukai is the larger city
— approximately 1.1x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Chukai is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Chukai has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Chukai | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 52,000 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.40% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 32.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 3.80% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Chukai
Advantages
Significantly lower cost of living compared to Western nations and major global capitals
Strong economic foundation driven by the regional oil, gas, and petrochemical sectors
Proximity to pristine South China Sea beaches, rivers, and rich natural attractions
Renowned local culinary scene famous for fresh seafood and traditional Terengganu cuisine
Tight-knit, peaceful community atmosphere with low crime rates and high safety
Drawbacks
High dependency on private vehicles due to limited public transit infrastructure
Susceptibility to heavy seasonal rainfall and monsoon flooding during winter months
Limited high-end entertainment, nightlife, and cultural amenities compared to major cities
Hot and humid tropical climate year-round with very high humidity levels
Distance from major international airports requires long-distance ground travel
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.
Chukai
#46Terengganu, Malaysia
76.1 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$350
Avg Salary
$12,500
Cost Index
45
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
38.0/100
Walkability
52.0/100
Sunny Days
81/yr
Avg Temp
80.50°F
Pop. Growth
1.40%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
74
Business
68
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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