Performance
Score Breakdown
Hsinchu
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Hsinchu is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
55% lower compared to Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Hsinchu's average rent is
61% lower than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Hsinchu | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $440 | $1,138 | -61% |
| Groceries | $424 | $404 | +5% |
| Utilities | $127 | $194 | -35% |
| Transport | $41 | $312 | -87% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $226 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $1,032 | $2,274 | -55% |
| Cost Index | 39 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 95% 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 Hsinchu is estimated at
$1,336 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Hsinchu | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $2,504 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $1,336 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 6,421 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $143,905 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Hsinchu | 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
Hsinchu has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
8,000 minutes (133 hours) per year compared to Binghamton.
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 | Hsinchu | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 33.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 47.20 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Hsinchu is the larger city
— approximately 9.8x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Binghamton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Hsinchu has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Hsinchu | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 460,552 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.36% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 45.4 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 3.35% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Hsinchu
Advantages
Hsinchu boasts a strong economy driven by its world-leading high-tech industry, offering abundant job opportunities, particularly in semiconductors and related fields [3, 7, 11].
The city is recognized for its high safety levels, with a very low crime rate, contributing to a secure living environment for residents [4, 5, 20, 22].
Hsinchu offers a good quality of life with a blend of modern amenities, cultural attractions, and accessible natural spaces [5, 7].
The city has a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major tech hubs globally, especially when considering the high average salaries [4, 12].
Hsinchu has a growing population and a dynamic community, particularly among young professionals and families attracted by the tech sector [8, 11].
Drawbacks
The economy is heavily reliant on the tech sector, making it vulnerable to global industry fluctuations [3, 7].
Housing prices, especially near the Science Park, can be high due to strong demand from the tech workforce [4, 10, 11].
While public transport exists, car dependency might be higher for some residents, especially those commuting outside the immediate city center.
The city's rapid development and concentration of industry may lead to environmental pressures or traffic congestion in certain areas.
Limited diversity in major industries outside of technology could pose challenges during economic downturns affecting the tech sector.
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.
Hsinchu
#1Taiwan, China
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$440
Avg Salary
$2,504
Cost Index
39
Commute
min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.36%
Unemployment
3.35%
Livability
85
Business
80
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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