City Comparison
San Rafael vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
San Rafael scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
San Rafael
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
San Rafael is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
67% lower than in Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: San Rafael's average rent is
69% lower than Binghamton's.
| Metric | San Rafael | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $350 | $1,138 | -69% |
| Groceries | $220 | $404 | -46% |
| Utilities | $65 | $194 | -66% |
| Transport | $45 | $312 | -86% |
| Healthcare | $80 | $226 | -65% |
| Monthly Total | $760 | $2,274 | -67% |
| Cost Index | 42 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 85% 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 Rafael is estimated at
$6,500 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | San Rafael | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $8,500 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $6,500 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 20,238 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $9,200 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
San Rafael runs warmer on average — a 63.5°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, San Rafael comes out ahead with 317 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — San Rafael sees 0.6 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | San Rafael | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 63.50°F | °F |
| Summer High | 60.50°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 67.00°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 12.40 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.60 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 317 | |
| Humidity | 52.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to San Rafael.
San Rafael scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, San Rafael leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | San Rafael | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 58.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 68.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 35.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
San Rafael is the larger city
— approximately 4.2x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, San Rafael 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 Rafael | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,000 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.10% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 36.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 6.80% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
San Rafael
Advantages
Abundant sunshine averaging 317 sunny days per year supporting an active outdoor lifestyle
Proximity to world-class vineyards, wineries, and the scenic Atuel Canyon
Significantly lower housing and rental costs compared to Buenos Aires
Strong community safety profile relative to major metropolitan centers in Argentina
Rich agricultural sector providing fresh local produce and robust culinary traditions
Drawbacks
Local salaries and median incomes reflect broader national economic constraints
Limited direct high-speed rail or major international flight connections
Seasonal fluctuations in tourism can cause temporary congestion in peak months
Inflationary pressures impact imported goods and specialized technical services
Arid climate with low annual rainfall requires water conservation management
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 Rafael
#42Mendoza, Argentina
73.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$350
Avg Salary
$8,500
Cost Index
42
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
58.0/100
Walkability
68.0/100
Sunny Days
317/yr
Avg Temp
63.50°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
6.80%
Livability
76
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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