Performance
Score Breakdown
Messina
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Messina is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
41% lower compared to Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Messina's average rent is
51% lower than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Messina | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $555 | $1,138 | -51% |
| Groceries | $400 | $404 | -1% |
| Utilities | $189 | $194 | -3% |
| Transport | $44 | $312 | -86% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $226 | -34% |
| Monthly Total | $1,338 | $2,274 | -41% |
| Cost Index | 74 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 60% 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 Messina is estimated at
$16,512 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Messina | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $21,984 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $16,512 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 29,708 idx | 50,000 idx |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Messina | 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
Messina 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 | Messina | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 33.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Messina is the larger city
— approximately 4.6x 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 | Messina | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 215,849 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 48.6 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 12.20% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Messina
Advantages
Messina's cost of living is 13.9% cheaper than Italy overall, making it a relatively affordable city.
The average price for residential rental properties in Messina increased by 7.68% in June 2026 compared to June 2025, indicating a growing rental market.
Tourism, hospitality, and restaurant sectors in Sicily are expected to absorb over 20,000 new workers between July and September 2026, suggesting job opportunities in these areas.
Messina's strategic location as a port city and gateway to mainland Italy provides significant trade and transport advantages.
The city benefits from substantial EU funding for port expansion, upgrades, and public transport, indicating ongoing investment in infrastructure.
Drawbacks
Messina's population is estimated to be declining, with a -0.49% annual decrease in 2026.
The regional unemployment rate in Sicily was 12.2% in 2025, which is higher than the national average of 6.1%.
The median after-tax salary in Messina is $1,832 per month, which may be challenging to cover living expenses for more than 1.5 months.
While tourism is growing, there are concerns about precarious work and labor law irregularities in the Sicilian hospitality sector.
The median age in Italy is 48.6 years, suggesting a potentially aging population in Messina, which could impact future workforce dynamics.
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.
Messina
#5Sicily, Italy
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$555
Avg Salary
$21,984
Cost Index
74
Commute
min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
12.20%
Livability
72
Business
65
Binghamton
#93New 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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