Performance
Score Breakdown
Merthyr Tydfil
Rexburg
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Merthyr Tydfil is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
1% lower compared to Rexburg.
Housing costs are a major driver: Merthyr Tydfil's average rent is
28% lower than Rexburg's.
| Metric | Merthyr Tydfil | Rexburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $755 | $1,044 | -28% |
| Groceries | $400 | $262 | +53% |
| Utilities | $338 | $180 | +88% |
| Transport | $120 | $150 | -20% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $250 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $1,863 | $1,886 | -1% |
| Cost Index | 90 | 116 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Rexburg offers 31% 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 Merthyr Tydfil is estimated at
$25,000 vs $55,000 in Rexburg.
| Metric | Merthyr Tydfil | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $27,399 | $39,531 |
| Salary Needed | $25,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 30,443 idx | 34,078 idx |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Merthyr Tydfil | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 86.00% | 66.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Rexburg has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,000 minutes (83 hours) per year compared to Merthyr Tydfil.
Merthyr Tydfil scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Merthyr Tydfil leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Merthyr Tydfil | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 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
Merthyr Tydfil is the larger city
— approximately 1.2x the population of Rexburg.
From a growth perspective, Rexburg is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Merthyr Tydfil has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Merthyr Tydfil | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 58,972 | 47,466 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.07% | 0.32% |
| Median Age | 41.0 | 21.0 |
| Unemployment | 3.50% | 3.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Merthyr Tydfil
Advantages
Merthyr Tydfil offers a significantly lower cost of living compared to the UK average, particularly in housing.
The town is situated on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park, providing excellent access to outdoor recreational activities.
Merthyr Tydfil has a rich industrial heritage, offering a unique historical and cultural landscape.
The housing market is considered affordable for both renters and buyers, with competitive property prices and rents.
The tourism sector is experiencing significant growth, contributing to the local economy and job creation.
Drawbacks
Merthyr Tydfil has a higher crime rate than the UK national average, with specific areas experiencing higher incident levels.
Life expectancy in Merthyr Tydfil is lower than the Welsh average, and the region experiences high rates of mental illness and poor well-being.
A significant portion of the population has no formal qualifications, which can affect employment prospects and income levels.
The town faces challenges with deprivation in some areas, and has a higher proportion of older housing stock.
Public transport options are less extensive compared to larger urban centers, indicating a higher reliance on private vehicles.
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.
Merthyr Tydfil
#1Wales, UK
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$755
Avg Salary
$27,399
Cost Index
90
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.07%
Unemployment
3.50%
Livability
68
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 Merthyr Tydfil and Rexburg.
Open Cost Calculator