Performance
Score Breakdown
Bloomington
Rexburg
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Rexburg is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
38% higher compared to Bloomington.
| Metric | Bloomington | Rexburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,100 | $1,044 | +5% |
| Groceries | $685 | $262 | +161% |
| Utilities | $391 | $180 | +117% |
| Transport | $300 | $150 | +100% |
| Healthcare | $120 | $250 | -52% |
| Monthly Total | $2,596 | $1,886 | +38% |
| Cost Index | 89 | 116 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Bloomington offers 92% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Bloomington delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Bloomington is estimated at
$44,700 vs $55,000 in Rexburg.
| Metric | Bloomington | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $76,000 | $39,531 |
| Salary Needed | $44,700 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 85,393 idx | 34,078 idx |
| Household Income | $77,384 | $50,617 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Bloomington | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | % | 66.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Bloomington scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Bloomington leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Bloomington | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 17 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 50.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 42.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 35.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Bloomington is the larger city
— approximately 1.7x the population of Rexburg.
From a growth perspective, Rexburg is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Rexburg has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Bloomington | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 79,268 | 47,466 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.20% | 0.32% |
| Median Age | 36.2 | 21.0 |
| Unemployment | 3.90% | 3.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Bloomington
Advantages
The cost of living in Bloomington is 11% lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Bloomington boasts a strong job market with a 2.83% job growth rate from 2023 to 2024, particularly in Finance & Insurance and Healthcare.
The average commute time is 17 minutes, significantly shorter than the national average, leading to less time spent in traffic.
The median household income of $77,384 in 2024 is competitive, supporting a comfortable lifestyle.
The city offers a balanced quality of life with access to good hospitals, schools, and recreational activities.
Drawbacks
Utilities costs in Bloomington are 5.7% higher than the national average, potentially impacting monthly budgets.
Healthcare costs are 6.2% higher than the national average, which could be a consideration for residents.
Public transportation options are available, but the city exhibits high car dependency, with 75% of residents using personal vehicles for commuting.
While generally safe, the city has an average crime rate, suggesting areas where vigilance may be necessary.
The median rent of $1,100 per month, while affordable compared to national averages, can still be a significant expense for some households.
Rexburg
Advantages
Low crime rates contribute to a high safety score and a family-friendly environment.
Affordable cost of living, particularly for housing and daily expenses, compared to national averages.
Strong sense of community and family-oriented atmosphere, enhanced by the presence of BYU-Idaho.
Abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, with proximity to national parks like Yellowstone and Grand Teton.
Short average commute times, making daily travel more efficient.
Drawbacks
Limited nightlife and entertainment options, characteristic of a smaller, quieter town.
Harsh winters with significant snowfall and cold temperatures impact daily activities.
Housing market can be competitive, with desirable properties selling quickly.
Car dependency is high due to limited public transit options.
The median age is very low (21), indicating a strong student population which may influence the city's overall social dynamic.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Bloomington
#28Illinois, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,100
Avg Salary
$76,000
Cost Index
89
Commute
17 min
Transit Score
50.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.20%
Unemployment
3.90%
Livability
74
Business
70
Rexburg
#28Idaho, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,044
Avg Salary
$39,531
Cost Index
116
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
42.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.32%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
75
Business
68
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