Performance
Score Breakdown
Tagum
Binghamton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Tagum is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
72% lower compared to Binghamton.
Housing costs are a major driver: Tagum's average rent is
86% lower than Binghamton's.
| Metric | Tagum | Binghamton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $165 | $1,138 | -86% |
| Groceries | $263 | $404 | -35% |
| Utilities | $180 | $194 | -7% |
| Transport | $25 | $312 | -92% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $226 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $633 | $2,274 | -72% |
| Cost Index | 33 | 110 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Binghamton offers 100% 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 Tagum is estimated at
$532 vs $45,000 in Binghamton.
| Metric | Tagum | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $215 | $55,000 |
| Salary Needed | $532 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 652 idx | 50,000 idx |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Tagum | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 81.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Tagum 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.
| Metric | Tagum | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | min | 16 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 33.0/10 |
| Walkability | 55.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Tagum is the larger city
— approximately 6.4x the population of Binghamton.
From a growth perspective, Binghamton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Tagum has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Tagum | Binghamton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 300,042 | 46,773 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 35.9 | |
| Unemployment | 2.24% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Tagum
Advantages
Tagum City is recognized for its efficient governance and infrastructure, ranking first in Government Efficiency and fourth in Infrastructure among competitive component cities in 2021.
The city offers a significantly lower cost of living compared to many other cities, both globally and within the Philippines.
Tagum boasts a high safety index and relatively low crime rates, contributing to a peaceful and secure environment for residents.
The real estate market in Tagum is considered promising for investment, with property values expected to rise due to ongoing economic growth and infrastructure development.
Tagum is known as the "City of Festivals," hosting numerous cultural and musical events throughout the year, offering a vibrant lifestyle.
Drawbacks
The median after-tax salary in Tagum is relatively low, covering living expenses for less than a month.
Despite a strong walking culture, Tagum still faces walkability barriers such as obstructive objects, parked vehicles, and unclear pedestrian signs.
Electricity prices in Tagum are considered expensive relative to other electric providers.
While the city has decent healthcare, more specialized medical needs might require travel to larger nearby cities like Davao City.
The city experiences consistently high humidity and frequent rainfall throughout the year, which might not appeal to everyone.
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.
Tagum
#1Mindanao, Philippines
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$165
Avg Salary
$215
Cost Index
33
Commute
min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
55.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
2.24%
Livability
74
Business
68
Binghamton
#94New 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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