Performance
Score Breakdown
General Santos
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
General Santos is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
69% lower compared to Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: General Santos's average rent is
84% lower than Binghamton's.
| Metric | General Santos | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $177 | $1,138 | -84% |
| Groceries | $300 | $404 | -26% |
| Utilities | $100 | $194 | -48% |
| Transport | $80 | $312 | -74% |
| Healthcare | $50 | $226 | -78% |
| Monthly Total | $707 | $2,274 | -69% |
| Cost Index | 35 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 87% 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 General Santos is estimated at
$14,400 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | General Santos | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $7,000 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $14,400 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 20,000 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $12,000 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | General Santos | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 75.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
9,500 minutes (158 hours) per year compared to General Santos.
General Santos scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
| Metric | General Santos | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 35 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 45.0/10 | 33.0/10 |
| Walkability | 55.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 55.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
General Santos is the larger city
— approximately 15.4x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Binghamton 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 | General Santos | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 722,059 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.84% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 24.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.50% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
General Santos
Advantages
Renowned as the "Tuna Capital of the Philippines," boasting a significant global presence in the fishing industry.
A major agricultural hub, producing a variety of export-quality goods and livestock.
Offers a relatively low cost of living, making it an affordable place to reside compared to other Philippine cities.
Serves as a key economic and industrial center, acting as a gateway to southern Mindanao.
Recognized for its well-planned urban layout, contributing to smoother traffic flow and efficient development.
Drawbacks
Susceptible to natural disasters, as evidenced by the mention of the 2026 Mindanao earthquake.
Faces traffic congestion in key areas, particularly during peak hours and market days.
Beaches in close proximity to the city are noted as not being ideal due to potential pollution.
While improving, high-skilled job opportunities may be less diverse compared to larger metropolitan centers.
Internet speeds, though improving with fiber optic availability, were historically noted as slow in some areas.
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.
General Santos
#3Mindanao, Philippines
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$177
Avg Salary
$7,000
Cost Index
35
Commute
35 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
55.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.84%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
70
Business
65
Binghamton
#106New 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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