City Comparison
Makati vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Makati scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Makati
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Makati is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
26% lower than in Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Makati's average rent is
21% lower than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Makati | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $900 | $1,138 | -21% |
| Groceries | $380 | $404 | -6% |
| Utilities | $170 | $194 | -12% |
| Transport | $90 | $312 | -71% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $226 | -34% |
| Monthly Total | $1,690 | $2,274 | -26% |
| Cost Index | 41 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 99% 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 Makati is estimated at
$1,200 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Makati | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $680 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $1,200 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 1,659 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $12,500 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Makati | 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
14,500 minutes (242 hours) per year compared to Makati.
Makati scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Makati leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Makati | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 45 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 52.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 65.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 78.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Makati is the larger city
— approximately 6.6x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Makati 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 | Makati | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 309,770 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.40% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 29.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 5.20% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Makati
Advantages
Makati's GDP expanded by 5.0 percent in 2025, demonstrating sustained regional economic resilience per PSA data.
The city features premier healthcare infrastructure anchored by world-class hospitals like Makati Medical Center.
Unrivaled density of top corporate headquarters and multinational employers concentrated within the Makati CBD.
Extensive pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and elevated walkway systems connecting major commercial spaces in the core.
Vibrant lifestyle and dining options, ranging from upscale Ayala Center malls to the eclectic culinary scene in Poblacion.
Drawbacks
Average monthly net salaries lag severely behind steep CBD rental and property acquisition costs per Numbeo 2026 indices.
Severe traffic congestion during peak commuting hours strains daily travel times across Metro Manila.
High vulnerability to tropical storm disruptions, urban flooding, and heavy seasonal rainfall.
Elevated cost of living and housing prices compared to the broader national Philippine average.
Significant gap between wealthy commercial hubs and denser, lower-income outer neighborhoods.
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.
Makati
#4Luzon, Philippines
78.2 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$900
Avg Salary
$680
Cost Index
41
Commute
45 min
Transit Score
52.0/100
Walkability
65.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.40%
Unemployment
5.20%
Livability
70
Business
78
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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