Performance
Score Breakdown
Zamboanga City
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Zamboanga City is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
50% lower compared to Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Zamboanga City's average rent is
89% lower than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Zamboanga City | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $130 | $1,138 | -89% |
| Groceries | $450 | $404 | +11% |
| Utilities | $183 | $194 | -6% |
| Transport | $120 | $312 | -62% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $226 | +11% |
| Monthly Total | $1,133 | $2,274 | -50% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Zamboanga City offers 18% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Zamboanga City delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Zamboanga City is estimated at
$55,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Zamboanga City | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 68,421 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $62,000 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Zamboanga City | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 78.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
6,000 minutes (100 hours) per year compared to Zamboanga City.
Zamboanga City scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Zamboanga City leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Zamboanga City | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 33.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Zamboanga City is the larger city
— approximately 21.8x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Zamboanga City is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Zamboanga City has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Zamboanga City | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,018,894 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.00% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 38.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 3.90% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Zamboanga City
Advantages
Zamboanga City offers a low cost of living, with an index of 95, making it more affordable than many other cities in the Philippines.
The city is experiencing robust economic growth, with a GDP growth rate of 4.9% in 2024, positioning it as a key economic hub in the Zamboanga Peninsula region.
Housing is notably affordable, with median rents for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center around $130 USD.
The city is actively improving its business environment through initiatives like the electronic Business One-Stop Shop (eBOSS), enhancing the ease of doing business.
Zamboanga City Medical Center is a significant healthcare provider, expanding its services and representing the Philippines in international healthcare forums.
Drawbacks
The city has a safety index of 40, indicating potential safety concerns that require residents to be vigilant and informed about current conditions.
Infrastructure challenges, including power fluctuations and connectivity issues, have been identified as constraints to business expansion and investment.
While improving, access to healthcare services can be uneven, with some vulnerable barangays reporting a lack of essential services.
The region faces underemployment challenges, with a rate of 18.9% as of January 2024, indicating that many individuals are seeking additional work or better-paying jobs.
The city's remote location can contribute to challenges with port efficiency and broadband access, impacting logistics and digital connectivity.
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.
Zamboanga City
#1Mindanao, Philippines
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$130
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
95
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.00%
Unemployment
3.90%
Livability
74
Business
68
Binghamton
#113New York, USA
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,138
Avg Salary
$55,000
Cost Index
110
Commute
16 min
Transit Score
33.0/10
Walkability
55.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.90%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
68
Business
60
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