Performance
Score Breakdown
Madinat Zayed (Al Dhafra)
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Madinat Zayed (Al Dhafra) is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
0% lower compared to Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Madinat Zayed (Al Dhafra)'s average rent is
20% higher than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Madinat Zayed (Al Dhafra) | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,366 | $1,138 | +20% |
| Groceries | $397 | $404 | -2% |
| Utilities | $155 | $194 | -20% |
| Transport | $150 | $312 | -52% |
| Healthcare | $200 | $226 | -12% |
| Monthly Total | $2,268 | $2,274 | -0% |
| Cost Index | 80 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 38% 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 Madinat Zayed (Al Dhafra) is estimated at
$28,000 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Madinat Zayed (Al Dhafra) | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $34,368 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $28,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 42,960 idx | 50,000 idx |
| Household Income | $34,368 | $45,578 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Madinat Zayed (Al Dhafra) | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 50.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Binghamton has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
7,000 minutes (117 hours) per year compared to Madinat Zayed (Al Dhafra).
Madinat Zayed (Al Dhafra) 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 | Madinat Zayed (Al Dhafra) | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 30 min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 45.0/10 | 33.0/10 |
| Walkability | 50.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Binghamton is the larger city
— approximately 0.6x the population of Madinat Zayed (Al Dhafra).
From a growth perspective, Madinat Zayed (Al Dhafra) is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Madinat Zayed (Al Dhafra) has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Madinat Zayed (Al Dhafra) | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 29,100 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | 6.20% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 33.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 2.17% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $— | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Madinat Zayed (Al Dhafra)
Advantages
Madinat Zayed offers a central location with good connectivity to major business districts and amenities in Abu Dhabi.
The cost of living in Madinat Zayed is generally more affordable compared to other central districts in Abu Dhabi.
The city provides a self-sufficient lifestyle with easy access to essential services like shopping centers, schools, and clinics.
Madinat Zayed boasts a strong community atmosphere and high safety standards, aligning with Abu Dhabi's reputation as one of the safest cities globally.
The housing market offers a variety of apartment options, catering to different needs and budgets.
Drawbacks
Traffic congestion can be a significant issue during peak hours, especially for commuters traveling to and from work.
Compared to larger cities, Madinat Zayed has more limited leisure and entertainment options.
Some residential buildings in Madinat Zayed may be older, potentially leading to maintenance issues.
The city may be perceived as having less 'prestige' compared to more luxurious areas in Abu Dhabi.
Public transportation, while available, can involve long commute times for inter-city travel, indicating a reliance on private vehicles.
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.
Madinat Zayed (Al Dhafra)
#11Abu Dhabi, UAE
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,366
Avg Salary
$34,368
Cost Index
80
Commute
30 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
50.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
6.20%
Unemployment
2.17%
Livability
74
Business
68
Binghamton
#117New 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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