City Comparison
El Carmen vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
El Carmen scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
El Carmen
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
El Carmen is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
73% lower than in Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: El Carmen's average rent is
75% lower than Binghamton's.
| Metric | El Carmen | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $280 | $1,138 | -75% |
| Groceries | $190 | $404 | -53% |
| Utilities | $55 | $194 | -72% |
| Transport | $35 | $312 | -89% |
| Healthcare | $65 | $226 | -71% |
| Monthly Total | $625 | $2,274 | -73% |
| Cost Index | 35 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 87% 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 El Carmen is estimated at
$5,800 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | El Carmen | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $7,200 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $5,800 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 20,571 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $8,400 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
El Carmen runs warmer on average — a 64°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, El Carmen comes out ahead with 227 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — El Carmen sees 0 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | El Carmen | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 64.00°F | °F |
| Summer High | 64.90°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 63.10°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 52.70 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 227 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
El Carmen scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, El Carmen leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | El Carmen | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 18 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 48.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 72.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 28.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Binghamton is the larger city
— approximately 0.6x the population of El Carmen.
From a growth perspective, El Carmen 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 | El Carmen | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 26,500 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.90% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 33.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 7.30% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
El Carmen
Advantages
Significantly lower cost of living and housing expenses compared to major Argentine urban centers per INDEC data
Peaceful, low-crime environment providing an exceptional sense of personal safety and community trust
Proximity to scenic natural attractions including Dique La Ciénaga and Dique Las Maderas for outdoor recreation
Pleasant climate with mild year-round temperatures and over 200 sunny days annually
Rich local culture and tradition as the recognized 'Ciudad de las Flores' with vibrant community festivals
Drawbacks
Limited high-paying professional job opportunities outside of agriculture, public administration, and local tourism
Reliance on neighboring San Salvador de Jujuy for specialized medical care and advanced healthcare services
Modest public transit infrastructure with less frequent scheduling for regional connections outside peak hours
Narrower selection of retail goods and specialized consumer services within city limits
Vulnerability to broader national economic instability and currency fluctuations affecting imported goods
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.
El Carmen
#49Jujuy, Argentina
72.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$280
Avg Salary
$7,200
Cost Index
35
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
48.0/100
Walkability
72.0/100
Sunny Days
227/yr
Avg Temp
64.00°F
Pop. Growth
0.90%
Unemployment
7.30%
Livability
72
Business
58
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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