Performance
Score Breakdown
Topeka
Rexburg
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Rexburg is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
4% higher compared to Topeka.
Housing costs are a major driver: Topeka's average rent is
14% lower than Rexburg's.
| Metric | Topeka | Rexburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $900 | $1,044 | -14% |
| Groceries | $450 | $262 | +72% |
| Utilities | $245 | $180 | +36% |
| Transport | $120 | $150 | -20% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $250 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $1,965 | $1,886 | +4% |
| Cost Index | 86 | 116 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Topeka offers 61% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Topeka delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Topeka is estimated at
$55,000 vs $55,000 in Rexburg.
| Metric | Topeka | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $63,547 | $39,531 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 73,892 idx | 34,078 idx |
| Household Income | $69,888 | $50,617 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Topeka | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 69.00% | 66.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Topeka scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Rexburg leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Topeka | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 17 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 43.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 37.0/10 | 42.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Topeka is the larger city
— approximately 2.6x the population of Rexburg.
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 | Topeka | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,607 | 47,466 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 0.32% |
| Median Age | 38.0 | 21.0 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 3.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Topeka
Advantages
The cost of living in Topeka is significantly lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Topeka boasts short average commute times, reducing daily travel stress for residents.
The city offers a strong sense of community, often described as a 'biggest small town' feel.
There is a diverse range of housing options available, catering to various preferences and budgets.
Topeka provides ample parks, trails, and outdoor spaces for recreation and an active lifestyle.
Drawbacks
Topeka has a high crime rate, particularly for violent and property crimes, exceeding national averages.
Public transportation options are minimal, leading to high car dependency for most errands.
Summers in Topeka can be hot and humid, with extreme weather patterns.
Healthcare costs, specifically health insurance premiums, are higher than the national average.
The city's job growth rate is projected to be modest, potentially slower than national and regional averages.
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.
Topeka
#91Kansas, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$900
Avg Salary
$63,547
Cost Index
86
Commute
17 min
Transit Score
43.0/10
Walkability
37.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
72
Business
60
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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