Performance
Score Breakdown
Rexburg
Aiken
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Rexburg is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
22% lower compared to Aiken.
Housing costs are a major driver: Rexburg's average rent is
25% lower than Aiken's.
| Metric | Rexburg | Aiken | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,044 | $1,400 | -25% |
| Groceries | $262 | $400 | -35% |
| Utilities | $180 | $236 | -24% |
| Transport | $150 | $120 | +25% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $250 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $1,886 | $2,406 | -22% |
| Cost Index | 116 | 89 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Aiken offers 40% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Aiken delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Rexburg is estimated at
$55,000 vs $55,000 in Aiken.
| Metric | Rexburg | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $39,531 | $65,884 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 34,078 idx | 74,027 idx |
| Household Income | $50,617 | $76,746 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Rexburg | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 66.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Rexburg has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Aiken.
Aiken scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Aiken leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Rexburg | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 18 min | 24 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 35.0/10 |
| Walkability | 42.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Rexburg is the larger city
— approximately 1.4x the population of Aiken.
From a growth perspective, Aiken is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Aiken has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Rexburg | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 47,466 | 33,306 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.32% | 1.20% |
| Median Age | 21.0 | 46.6 |
| Unemployment | 3.80% | 3.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
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.
Aiken
Advantages
The cost of living in Aiken is approximately 11% lower than the national average.
Aiken boasts a higher homeownership rate of 68.1% as of 2024.
The city offers a mild climate with ample opportunities for outdoor activities and a vibrant downtown.
Aiken County's unemployment rate of 3.4% in April 2026 is lower than the national average.
The average commute time of 24 minutes is considered manageable.
Drawbacks
Aiken's transportation system is largely car-dependent, with limited public transit options.
The city's safety index of 30 suggests a higher crime rate compared to national benchmarks.
Aiken County's poverty rate of 14.3% is higher than the national average of 12.5%.
While the downtown is walkable, the city overall has a lower walkability score due to car dependency.
Some utility costs are reported to be slightly higher than the national average.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Rexburg
#25Idaho, 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
Aiken
#62South Carolina, USA
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,400
Avg Salary
$65,884
Cost Index
89
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
35.0/10
Walkability
55.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.20%
Unemployment
3.40%
Livability
72
Business
65
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Rexburg and Aiken.
Open Cost Calculator