Performance
Score Breakdown
Alexandria
Rexburg
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Rexburg is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
3% higher compared to Alexandria.
| Metric | Alexandria | Rexburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $974 | $1,044 | -7% |
| Groceries | $395 | $262 | +51% |
| Utilities | $226 | $180 | +26% |
| Transport | $120 | $150 | -20% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $250 | -12% |
| Monthly Total | $1,935 | $1,886 | +3% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 116 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Alexandria offers 27% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Alexandria delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Alexandria is estimated at
$38,952 vs $55,000 in Rexburg.
| Metric | Alexandria | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $50,107 | $39,531 |
| Salary Needed | $38,952 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 54,464 idx | 34,078 idx |
| Household Income | $47,113 | $50,617 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Alexandria | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 73.00% | 66.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
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 | Alexandria | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 17 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 42.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Rexburg is the larger city
— approximately 0.9x the population of Alexandria.
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 | Alexandria | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 44,060 | 47,466 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 0.32% |
| Median Age | 37.6 | 21.0 |
| Unemployment | 4.30% | 3.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Alexandria
Advantages
The overall cost of living in Alexandria is 8% lower than the national average, primarily due to significantly lower housing expenses.
Housing costs are 26% lower than the national average, with a median home price of $175,000 in May 2026.
The average commute time is relatively short at 17.4 minutes, contributing to a better work-life balance.
Alexandria is a regional healthcare hub with at least four major hospitals, and healthcare costs are 11% lower than the national average.
The city's economy is diverse, with a 3.32% job growth rate between 2023 and 2024.
Drawbacks
Alexandria has a very high violent crime rate, 671% above the national average, resulting in an 'F' safety grade.
The city's population is projected to decline by 1.3% annually, indicating a negative growth trend.
Summers are consistently hot, humid, and often described as oppressive.
A significant portion of the population, 27%, lives below the poverty line as of 2024.
The city exhibits high car dependency, with 77.7% of residents driving alone to work.
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.
Alexandria
#133Louisiana, USA
55.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$974
Avg Salary
$50,107
Cost Index
92
Commute
17 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
50
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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