Performance
Score Breakdown
Thames
Rexburg
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Rexburg is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
42% higher compared to Thames.
Housing costs are a major driver: Thames's average rent is
59% higher than Rexburg's.
| Metric | Thames | Rexburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,656 | $1,044 | +59% |
| Groceries | $350 | $262 | +34% |
| Utilities | $325 | $180 | +81% |
| Transport | $90 | $150 | -40% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $250 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,671 | $1,886 | +42% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 116 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Thames offers 44% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Thames delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Thames is estimated at
$55,000 vs $55,000 in Rexburg.
| Metric | Thames | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $56,880 | $39,531 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 59,874 idx | 34,078 idx |
| Household Income | $41,200 | $50,617 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Thames | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | % | 66.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Thames has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
9,000 minutes (150 hours) per year compared to Rexburg.
Thames scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Thames leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Thames | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 42.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Rexburg is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x the population of Thames.
From a growth perspective, Rexburg 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 | Thames | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 7,230 | 47,466 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 0.32% |
| Median Age | 54.9 | 21.0 |
| Unemployment | 4.50% | 3.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Thames
Advantages
Affordable cost of living compared to major New Zealand cities.
Rich gold mining history and a vibrant arts community.
Relatively safe environment with a lower crime rate than the national average.
Scenic location at the southwestern end of the Coromandel Peninsula.
Moderate car dependency and decent transit/walkability scores.
Drawbacks
Rising unemployment rate, reaching a decade-high in the Thames-Coromandel District.
High average house prices despite recent falls, making homeownership challenging.
Higher median age compared to the national average, potentially indicating an aging population.
Economic conditions can be challenging, with some industries declining.
Crime rate in the wider district has seen an increase.
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.
Thames
#1Waikato, New Zealand
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,656
Avg Salary
$56,880
Cost Index
95
Commute
min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
74
Business
68
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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