Performance
Score Breakdown
Wanaka
Rexburg
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Wanaka is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
9% lower compared to Rexburg.
| Metric | Wanaka | Rexburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,021 | $1,044 | -2% |
| Groceries | $323 | $262 | +23% |
| Utilities | $103 | $180 | -43% |
| Transport | $120 | $150 | -20% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $250 | -40% |
| Monthly Total | $1,717 | $1,886 | -9% |
| Cost Index | 138 | 116 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Rexburg offers 93% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Rexburg delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Wanaka is estimated at
$1,864 vs $55,000 in Rexburg.
| Metric | Wanaka | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $2,570 | $39,531 |
| Salary Needed | $1,864 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 1,862 idx | 34,078 idx |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Wanaka | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | 66.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Rexburg has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,000 minutes (83 hours) per year compared to Wanaka.
Rexburg 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 | Wanaka | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 42.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Rexburg is the larger city
— approximately 0.3x the population of Wanaka.
From a growth perspective, Wanaka 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 | Wanaka | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 14,261 | 47,466 |
| Pop. Growth | 4.22% | 0.32% |
| Median Age | 36.5 | 21.0 |
| Unemployment | 5.08% | 3.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Wanaka
Advantages
Wanaka is one of the fastest-growing towns in New Zealand, indicating strong economic and population growth.
The town offers a high quality of life with abundant outdoor activities in both summer and winter seasons.
A new $300 million hospital with a 24-hour emergency department has been approved and is under development, significantly improving healthcare access.
Wanaka boasts a high safety index of 89, making it a very secure place to live.
The median after-tax salary in Wanaka is sufficient to cover living expenses for nearly three months.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Wanaka is very high, particularly for housing.
Average house values are substantial, making homeownership a significant financial commitment.
Rental prices are high, with a median weekly rent of $950 NZD (approximately $557 USD) as of June 2026.
Public transportation options are limited, leading to a medium to high car dependency.
While a new hospital is planned, the current healthcare infrastructure may be perceived as needing improvement to keep pace with population growth.
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.
Wanaka
#1Otago, New Zealand
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,021
Avg Salary
$2,570
Cost Index
138
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
4.22%
Unemployment
5.08%
Livability
74
Business
68
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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