Performance
Score Breakdown
Rexburg
Akron
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Rexburg is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
27% lower compared to Akron.
| Metric | Rexburg | Akron | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,044 | $1,123 | -7% |
| Groceries | $262 | $742 | -65% |
| Utilities | $180 | $234 | -23% |
| Transport | $150 | $357 | -58% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $130 | +92% |
| Monthly Total | $1,886 | $2,586 | -27% |
| Cost Index | 116 | 85 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Akron offers 46% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Akron delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Rexburg is estimated at
$55,000 vs $66,000 in Akron.
| Metric | Rexburg | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $39,531 | $73,000 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $66,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 34,078 idx | 85,882 idx |
| Household Income | $50,617 | $48,076 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Rexburg | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 66.00% | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Rexburg has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Akron.
Rexburg scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Akron leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Rexburg | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 18 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 42.0/10 | 48.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Akron is the larger city
— approximately 0.3x the population of Rexburg.
From a growth perspective, Rexburg is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
| Metric | Rexburg | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 47,466 | 189,664 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.32% | % |
| Median Age | 21.0 | 36.9 |
| Unemployment | 3.80% | 3.80% |
| 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.
Akron
Advantages
The overall cost of living in Akron is 15% lower than the national average, making it a highly affordable city.
Housing costs are significantly lower than the national average, with average monthly rent at $1,123 and median home prices around $153,000.
Akron has a diverse economy with strong industries including healthcare, manufacturing, and the polymer sector.
The city offers a public transportation system (METRO RTA) with affordable monthly passes at $50.
Healthcare costs in Akron are approximately 14% lower than the national average.
Drawbacks
Akron has a high crime rate, with an overall crime rate 50% above the national average and a safety grade of C-.
The city is experiencing a projected population decline of -0.9% annually.
Akron has a negative job growth rate, with a 0.461% decline in employed population in 2024.
The lifestyle in Akron is largely car-dependent, with most errands requiring a vehicle and an average Walk Score of 48.
The median household income of $48,076 in 2024 is below the national average.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
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
Akron
#127Ohio, USA
60.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,123
Avg Salary
$73,000
Cost Index
85
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
48.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
65
Business
55
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