Performance
Score Breakdown
Keene
Rexburg
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Rexburg is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
22% higher compared to Keene.
Housing costs are a major driver: Keene's average rent is
48% higher than Rexburg's.
| Metric | Keene | Rexburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,550 | $1,044 | +48% |
| Groceries | $400 | $262 | +53% |
| Utilities | $200 | $180 | +11% |
| Transport | $50 | $150 | -67% |
| Healthcare | $95 | $250 | -62% |
| Monthly Total | $2,295 | $1,886 | +22% |
| Cost Index | 90 | 116 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Keene offers 62% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Keene delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Keene is estimated at
$65,000 vs $55,000 in Rexburg.
| Metric | Keene | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $63,960 | $39,531 |
| Salary Needed | $65,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 71,067 idx | 34,078 idx |
| Household Income | $78,445 | $50,617 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Keene | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 66.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Rexburg has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Keene.
For walkability, Keene leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Keene | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 24 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 47.0/10 | 42.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Rexburg is the larger city
— approximately 0.5x the population of Keene.
From a growth perspective, Rexburg is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Keene has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Keene | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 23,036 | 47,466 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.07% | 0.32% |
| Median Age | 37.6 | 21.0 |
| Unemployment | 2.60% | 3.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Keene
Advantages
Strong community feel and access to nature, including proximity to Mount Monadnock.
Lower cost of living compared to the national average and major New England cities.
Low violent crime rates, contributing to a high sense of safety and security.
Well-preserved historic downtown with a vibrant arts and cultural scene.
Access to higher education institutions like Keene State College and Antioch University New England.
Drawbacks
Car dependency is moderate to high, with limited public transportation options.
Job market growth may be moderate compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Winters can be harsh with significant snowfall.
Median household income is below the national average.
Some residents note challenges with property crime and addiction issues.
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.
Keene
#27New Hampshire, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,550
Avg Salary
$63,960
Cost Index
90
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
47.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.07%
Unemployment
2.60%
Livability
75
Business
65
Rexburg
#27Idaho, 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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