City Comparison
Kaimata vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Kaimata scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Kaimata
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Kaimata is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
46% lower than in Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Kaimata's average rent is
72% lower than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Kaimata | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $320 | $1,138 | -72% |
| Groceries | $420 | $404 | +4% |
| Utilities | $160 | $194 | -18% |
| Transport | $200 | $312 | -36% |
| Healthcare | $120 | $226 | -47% |
| Monthly Total | $1,220 | $2,274 | -46% |
| Cost Index | 88 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 13% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Kaimata delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Kaimata is estimated at
$42,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Kaimata | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $48,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $42,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 54,545 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $52,000 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Kaimata | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 78.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
7,000 minutes (117 hours) per year compared to Kaimata.
Binghamton 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 | Kaimata | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 30 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 10.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 25.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 20.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Binghamton is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Binghamton 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 | Kaimata | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 350 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 41.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.80% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Kaimata
Advantages
Scenic rural environment offering panoramic views of Mount Taranaki and immediate access to Egmont National Park.
High level of safety and community security with very low crime rates characteristic of rural Taranaki.
More affordable housing purchase prices compared to New Zealand's major urban centers like Auckland and Wellington.
Strong, close-knit community spirit with active local rural networks and support systems.
Clean air, low pollution, and an exceptionally peaceful living atmosphere ideal for families and retirees.
Drawbacks
Complete car dependency with zero public transportation infrastructure available within the immediate locality.
Limited local employment options restricted primarily to agriculture, farming support, and forestry.
Distance from major commercial amenities, specialized shopping, and entertainment venues requiring regular travel to Inglewood or New Plymouth.
Very limited local rental housing inventory, pushing renters to seek accommodation in neighboring towns.
Distance from comprehensive hospital care, with Taranaki Base Hospital located roughly 30 minutes away in New Plymouth.
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.
Kaimata
#25Taranaki, New Zealand
64.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$320
Avg Salary
$48,000
Cost Index
88
Commute
30 min
Transit Score
10.0/100
Walkability
25.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
4.80%
Livability
76
Business
60
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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