City Comparison
Mérignac vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Mérignac scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Mérignac
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Mérignac is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
26% lower than in Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Mérignac's average rent is
17% lower than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Mérignac | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $950 | $1,138 | -17% |
| Groceries | $380 | $404 | -6% |
| Utilities | $170 | $194 | -12% |
| Transport | $85 | $312 | -73% |
| Healthcare | $90 | $226 | -60% |
| Monthly Total | $1,675 | $2,274 | -26% |
| Cost Index | 84 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 20% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Mérignac delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Mérignac is estimated at
$37,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Mérignac | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $44,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $37,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 52,381 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $46,000 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Mérignac runs warmer on average — a 59.2°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Mérignac comes out ahead with 238 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Mérignac sees 0.1 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Mérignac | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 59.20°F | °F |
| Summer High | 83.60°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 40.80°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 33.30 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.10 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 238 | |
| Humidity | 70.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,500 minutes (75 hours) per year compared to Mérignac.
Mérignac scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Mérignac leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Mérignac | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 68.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 63.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 48.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Mérignac is the larger city
— approximately 1.6x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Mérignac 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 | Mérignac | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 74,021 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.90% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 41.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 7.20% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Mérignac
Advantages
Strategic economic hub featuring major aerospace employers like Dassault Aviation and Thales per regional employment data
Direct connection to central Bordeaux via the Line A tramway system
Mild climate featuring 238 sunny days annually and pleasant seasonal temperatures
High concentration of parks, sports facilities, and green urban planning initiatives
Proximity to both the Atlantic coast and world-renowned Bordeaux vineyards
Drawbacks
Housing costs have risen notably due to high regional demand within the Bordeaux metropolitan area
Traffic congestion can affect major commuting arteries during peak morning and evening rush hours
Rental availability for affordable 1-bedroom apartments can be competitive and tight
Commercial zones can experience high foot traffic and parking scarcity during weekends
Property tax rates in the Gironde department can add to overall homeownership costs
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.
Mérignac
#4Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
62.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$44,000
Cost Index
84
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
68.0/100
Walkability
63.0/100
Sunny Days
238/yr
Avg Temp
59.20°F
Pop. Growth
0.90%
Unemployment
7.20%
Livability
79
Business
74
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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