Performance
Score Breakdown
Macau
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Macau is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
12% lower compared to Binghamton.
| Metric | Macau | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,117 | $1,138 | -2% |
| Groceries | $425 | $404 | +5% |
| Utilities | $180 | $194 | -7% |
| Transport | $24 | $312 | -92% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $226 | +11% |
| Monthly Total | $1,996 | $2,274 | -12% |
| Cost Index | 100 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 51% 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 Macau is estimated at
$35,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Macau | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $26,796 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $35,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 26,796 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $58,835 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Macau | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 80.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
6,000 minutes (100 hours) per year compared to Macau.
Macau scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Macau leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Macau | 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
Macau is the larger city
— approximately 15.5x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Binghamton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Macau has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Macau | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 723,188 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.16% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 40.3 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 1.60% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Macau
Advantages
Macau has one of the highest life expectancies in the world, reaching 83.5 years in 2025.
The city boasts a strong economy with a high GDP per capita, driven by its prominent tourism and gaming industries.
Macau maintains a generally safe environment with low crime rates, contributing to a high quality of life.
The median monthly employment earnings in Macau were MOP 18,000 (approximately $2,233 USD) as of 2024, indicating a competitive salary landscape.
Residential rents in Macau saw a year-on-year increase in 2024, marking the first rise since 2019, indicating a strengthening rental market.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Macau is very high, with a single person estimated to cost $4125 per month.
Housing costs are a significant burden, with average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center at $1,069.
Macau is the second most densely populated region in the world, leading to space constraints.
The median age in Macau is 40.3 years, indicating a rapidly aging population.
While the economy is strong, there is an uneven distribution of wealth between gaming/financial and service workers.
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.
Macau
#1Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,117
Avg Salary
$26,796
Cost Index
100
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.16%
Unemployment
1.60%
Livability
74
Business
68
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
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Macau and Binghamton.
Open Cost Calculator