City Comparison
Woodlands vs Binghamton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Woodlands scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Woodlands
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Woodlands is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
49% lower than in Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Woodlands's average rent is
72% lower than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Woodlands | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $320 | $1,138 | -72% |
| Groceries | $420 | $404 | +4% |
| Utilities | $160 | $194 | -18% |
| Transport | $140 | $312 | -55% |
| Healthcare | $110 | $226 | -51% |
| Monthly Total | $1,150 | $2,274 | -49% |
| Cost Index | 88 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 20% lower average salaries.
The minimum comfortable salary in Woodlands is estimated at
$38,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Woodlands | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $44,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $38,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 50,000 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $52,000 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Woodlands runs warmer on average — a 50.8°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Woodlands comes out ahead with 181 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Woodlands sees 17 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Woodlands | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 50.80°F | °F |
| Summer High | 50.20°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 48.70°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 55.50 in | in |
| Snowfall | 17.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 181 | |
| Humidity | 80.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Woodlands.
Binghamton scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Binghamton leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Woodlands | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 25.0/100 | 33.0/100 |
| Walkability | 45.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 20.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Binghamton is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Binghamton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Woodlands has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Woodlands | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 450 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 41.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.20% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Woodlands
Advantages
Housing affordability is significantly better than New Zealand's major urban centers per Stats NZ property reports
Extremely low crime rates and high community trust provide an exceptional sense of personal safety
Close proximity to Invercargill allows residents to enjoy rural living without sacrificing access to urban amenities
Surrounded by pristine Southland landscapes offering endless outdoor recreation opportunities
Strong local community spirit centered around historic rural traditions and events
Drawbacks
High car dependency due to limited local public transportation options
Limited local employment diversity, with the economy heavily concentrated in agriculture
Fewer immediate dining, shopping, and entertainment choices within the settlement itself
Variable winter weather conditions can occasionally impact rural travel and farm operations
Limited rental inventory makes finding housing challenging for newcomers
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.
Woodlands
#7Southland, New Zealand
69.4 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$320
Avg Salary
$44,000
Cost Index
88
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
25.0/100
Walkability
45.0/100
Sunny Days
181/yr
Avg Temp
50.80°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
75
Business
62
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
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Woodlands and Binghamton.
Open Cost Calculator