Performance
Score Breakdown
General Santos
Rexburg
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
General Santos is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
63% lower compared to Rexburg.
Housing costs are a major driver: General Santos's average rent is
83% lower than Rexburg's.
| Metric | General Santos | Rexburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $177 | $1,044 | -83% |
| Groceries | $300 | $262 | +15% |
| Utilities | $100 | $180 | -44% |
| Transport | $80 | $150 | -47% |
| Healthcare | $50 | $250 | -80% |
| Monthly Total | $707 | $1,886 | -63% |
| Cost Index | 35 | 116 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Rexburg offers 82% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Rexburg delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in General Santos is estimated at
$14,400 vs $55,000 in Rexburg.
| Metric | General Santos | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $7,000 | $39,531 |
| Salary Needed | $14,400 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 20,000 idx | 34,078 idx |
| Household Income | $12,000 | $50,617 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | General Santos | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 75.00% | 66.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Rexburg has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
8,500 minutes (142 hours) per year compared to General Santos.
General Santos scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, General Santos leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | General Santos | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 35 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 45.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 55.0/10 | 42.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 55.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
General Santos is the larger city
— approximately 15.2x the population of Rexburg.
From a growth perspective, General Santos 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 | General Santos | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 722,059 | 47,466 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.84% | 0.32% |
| Median Age | 24.0 | 21.0 |
| Unemployment | 4.50% | 3.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
General Santos
Advantages
Renowned as the "Tuna Capital of the Philippines," boasting a significant global presence in the fishing industry.
A major agricultural hub, producing a variety of export-quality goods and livestock.
Offers a relatively low cost of living, making it an affordable place to reside compared to other Philippine cities.
Serves as a key economic and industrial center, acting as a gateway to southern Mindanao.
Recognized for its well-planned urban layout, contributing to smoother traffic flow and efficient development.
Drawbacks
Susceptible to natural disasters, as evidenced by the mention of the 2026 Mindanao earthquake.
Faces traffic congestion in key areas, particularly during peak hours and market days.
Beaches in close proximity to the city are noted as not being ideal due to potential pollution.
While improving, high-skilled job opportunities may be less diverse compared to larger metropolitan centers.
Internet speeds, though improving with fiber optic availability, were historically noted as slow in some areas.
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.
General Santos
#4Mindanao, Philippines
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$177
Avg Salary
$7,000
Cost Index
35
Commute
35 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
55.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.84%
Unemployment
4.50%
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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