City Comparison
San Carlos vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
San Carlos scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
San Carlos
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
San Carlos is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
59% lower than in Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: San Carlos's average rent is
60% lower than Binghamton's.
| Metric | San Carlos | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $450 | $1,138 | -60% |
| Groceries | $250 | $404 | -38% |
| Utilities | $80 | $194 | -59% |
| Transport | $60 | $312 | -81% |
| Healthcare | $90 | $226 | -60% |
| Monthly Total | $930 | $2,274 | -59% |
| Cost Index | 42 | 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 San Carlos is estimated at
$500 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | San Carlos | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $650 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $500 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 1,548 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $7,200 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
San Carlos runs warmer on average — a 59.3°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, San Carlos comes out ahead with 293 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — San Carlos sees 3 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | San Carlos | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 59.30°F | °F |
| Summer High | 55.50°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 63.90°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 18.70 in | in |
| Snowfall | 3.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 293 | |
| Humidity | 55.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to San Carlos.
San Carlos scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, San Carlos leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | San Carlos | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 25.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Binghamton is the larger city
— approximately 0.7x the population of San Carlos.
From a growth perspective, San Carlos 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 | San Carlos | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 32,631 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.10% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 34.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 6.50% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
San Carlos
Advantages
Exceptional high-altitude climate with approximately 293 sunny days per year supporting outdoor lifestyles.
World-renowned wine region status offering access to top-tier gastronomy and scenic vineyard landscapes.
Significantly lower crime rates and higher perceived safety compared to major Argentine urban centers.
Affordable local agricultural produce, fresh goods, and overall cost of living relative to western nations.
Tranquil rural environment with stunning views of the Andes Mountains and excellent recreational opportunities.
Drawbacks
Limited local public transportation options require reliance on personal vehicles or regional buses.
Specialized employment opportunities are largely concentrated in viticulture, agriculture, and tourism.
Proximity to advanced healthcare facilities requires travel to neighboring departments or Mendoza City.
Economic volatility in Argentina can impact local purchasing power and cost stability.
Long-term rental housing inventory can be constrained by the growth of short-term tourist accommodations.
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.
San Carlos
#54Mendoza, Argentina
72.1 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$450
Avg Salary
$650
Cost Index
42
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
293/yr
Avg Temp
59.30°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
6.50%
Livability
78
Business
65
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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