City Comparison
Shah Alam vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Shah Alam scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Shah Alam
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Binghamton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
10% lower than in Shah Alam.
Housing costs are a major driver: Shah Alam's average rent is
44% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Shah Alam | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,638 | $1,138 | +44% |
| Groceries | $450 | $404 | +11% |
| Utilities | $180 | $194 | -7% |
| Transport | $120 | $312 | -62% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $226 | -34% |
| Monthly Total | $2,538 | $2,274 | +12% |
| Cost Index | 100 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 20% 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 Shah Alam is estimated at
$55,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Shah Alam | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $44,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 44,000 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $62,000 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Shah Alam runs warmer on average — a 82.3°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Shah Alam comes out ahead with 103 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Shah Alam sees 0 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Shah Alam | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 82.30°F | °F |
| Summer High | 91.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 74.30°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 121.70 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 103 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
6,000 minutes (100 hours) per year compared to Shah Alam.
Shah Alam scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Shah Alam leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Shah Alam | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 60.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Shah Alam is the larger city
— approximately 9.4x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Shah Alam is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Shah Alam has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Shah Alam | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 438,745 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.10% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 31.5 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $104.6B | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Shah Alam
Advantages
Shah Alam is a well-planned city with organized townships, wider roads, and good infrastructure, contributing to a higher quality of life.
The city is known for its green spaces and recreational areas, earning it the nickname "Garden City of Malaysia".
Shah Alam has a strong industrial and manufacturing base, particularly in the automotive sector, offering diverse job opportunities.
Its strategic location within the Klang Valley and proximity to Port Klang enhance its economic and logistical advantages.
The city offers a good balance between urban amenities and a pleasant living environment, attracting young families and professionals.
Drawbacks
Shah Alam recorded the highest cost of living among Malaysian state capitals in 2024, surpassing Kuala Lumpur.
Traffic congestion can be a significant issue, especially during peak hours in certain areas.
Public transportation options are still developing, and car dependency remains relatively high.
Some sources suggest that Shah Alam may not be as diverse as other Malaysian cities.
While generally safe, like any urban area, it requires residents to remain aware of their surroundings.
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.
Shah Alam
#77Selangor, Malaysia
61.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,638
Avg Salary
$44,000
Cost Index
100
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/100
Walkability
60.0/100
Sunny Days
103/yr
Avg Temp
82.30°F
Pop. Growth
2.10%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
74
Business
68
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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