Performance
Score Breakdown
Broome
Rexburg
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Rexburg is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
11% higher compared to Broome.
Housing costs are a major driver: Broome's average rent is
15% higher than Rexburg's.
| Metric | Broome | Rexburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,200 | $1,044 | +15% |
| Groceries | $450 | $262 | +72% |
| Utilities | $180 | $180 | 0% |
| Transport | $120 | $150 | -20% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $250 | -40% |
| Monthly Total | $2,100 | $1,886 | +11% |
| Cost Index | 115 | 116 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Broome offers 64% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Broome delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Broome is estimated at
$55,000 vs $55,000 in Rexburg.
| Metric | Broome | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,000 | $39,531 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 56,522 idx | 34,078 idx |
| Household Income | $108,732 | $50,617 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Broome | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 55.00% | 66.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Broome has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
9,000 minutes (150 hours) per year compared to Rexburg.
Broome scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Rexburg leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Broome | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 40.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 40.0/10 | 42.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 50.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Rexburg is the larger city
— approximately 0.4x the population of Broome.
From a growth perspective, Broome 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 | Broome | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 19,193 | 47,466 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.01% | 0.32% |
| Median Age | 34.0 | 21.0 |
| Unemployment | 4.70% | 3.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Broome
Advantages
High rental yields for investors, with houses yielding 7.2% and units 9.6% as of August 2025.
Strong employment opportunities in sectors like health care, education, and mining are driving demand for housing.
Broome offers a unique lifestyle with stunning natural beauty, including Cable Beach, and a relaxed atmosphere.
The median house price has seen significant growth, indicating a strong property market for owners.
The town has a diverse economy with key industries such as tourism, pearling, and aquaculture.
Drawbacks
Broome experiences significantly higher rates of break-ins, motor vehicle theft, and violent crime compared to state and national averages.
The cost of living, particularly for housing, groceries, and utilities, is higher due to Broome's remote location.
Rental prices have seen a dramatic increase, making housing less affordable for many residents.
There is a significant undersupply of new housing stock, which is contributing to price increases.
Crime rates have been on the rise, with total offenses reaching a 10-year high in 2024.
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.
Broome
#2Western Australia, Australia
60.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,200
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
115
Commute
min
Transit Score
40.0/10
Walkability
40.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.01%
Unemployment
4.70%
Livability
70
Business
65
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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