Performance
Score Breakdown
Zhaotong
Rexburg
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Zhaotong is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
57% lower compared to Rexburg.
Housing costs are a major driver: Zhaotong's average rent is
74% lower than Rexburg's.
| Metric | Zhaotong | Rexburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $273 | $1,044 | -74% |
| Groceries | $300 | $262 | +15% |
| Utilities | $80 | $180 | -56% |
| Transport | $50 | $150 | -67% |
| Healthcare | $100 | $250 | -60% |
| Monthly Total | $803 | $1,886 | -57% |
| Cost Index | 32 | 116 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Rexburg offers 72% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Zhaotong delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Zhaotong is estimated at
$9,636 vs $55,000 in Rexburg.
| Metric | Zhaotong | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $11,172 | $39,531 |
| Salary Needed | $9,636 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 34,913 idx | 34,078 idx |
| Household Income | $15,000 | $50,617 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Zhaotong | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 66.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Rexburg has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,000 minutes (83 hours) per year compared to Zhaotong.
Zhaotong scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Zhaotong leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Zhaotong | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 60.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 65.0/10 | 42.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 55.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Zhaotong is the larger city
— approximately 8.2x the population of Rexburg.
From a growth perspective, Zhaotong 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 | Zhaotong | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 390,000 | 47,466 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.09% | 0.32% |
| Median Age | 21.0 | |
| Unemployment | 5.50% | 3.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Zhaotong
Advantages
Very low cost of living, with average monthly expenses for an individual around $618.
Affordable rental market, with a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costing approximately $273 per month.
Rich agricultural sector, being China's largest high-quality apple production base in the south.
Extensive public bus network providing affordable city transit.
Generally safe environment for residents and travelers.
Drawbacks
Average salaries are significantly lower than national urban averages, with a median after-tax monthly salary of $931.
Lack of a metro or tram system, relying solely on buses for public transit.
Traffic congestion can be heavy on busy main roads.
Limited specific city-level data for various economic and demographic metrics, indicating less developed data infrastructure.
No direct data available for median age, making demographic analysis less complete.
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.
Zhaotong
#14Yunnan, China
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$273
Avg Salary
$11,172
Cost Index
32
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
60.0/10
Walkability
65.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.09%
Unemployment
5.50%
Livability
70
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
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Zhaotong and Rexburg.
Open Cost Calculator