City Comparison
Montreal vs Rexburg
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Montreal scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Montreal
Rexburg
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Rexburg is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
5% higher compared to Montreal.
Housing costs are a major driver: Montreal's average rent is
29% higher than Rexburg's.
| Metric | Montreal | Rexburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,351 | $1,044 | +29% |
| Groceries | $356 | $262 | +36% |
| Utilities | $107 | $180 | -41% |
| Transport | $100 | $150 | -33% |
| Healthcare | $71 | $250 | -72% |
| Monthly Total | $1,985 | $1,886 | +5% |
| Cost Index | 63 | 116 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Montreal offers 35% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Montreal delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Montreal is estimated at
$42,780 vs $55,000 in Rexburg.
| Metric | Montreal | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $53,475 | $39,531 |
| Salary Needed | $42,780 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 84,881 idx | 34,078 idx |
| Household Income | $45,335 | $50,617 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Montreal | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | % | 66.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Rexburg has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,500 minutes (92 hours) per year compared to Montreal.
Montreal scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Montreal leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Montreal | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 29 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 77.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 87.0/10 | 42.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 39.78 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | Low | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Montreal is the larger city
— approximately 41x the population of Rexburg.
From a growth perspective, Montreal 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 | Montreal | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,945,359 | 47,466 |
| Pop. Growth | 5.30% | 0.32% |
| Median Age | 40.6 | 21.0 |
| Unemployment | 6.80% | 3.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Montreal
Advantages
Montreal boasts a vibrant cultural scene with numerous festivals and events year-round, including the Just For Laughs Festival and the Montreal Fireworks Festival.
The city is highly walkable (Walk Score 87) and offers excellent public transportation (Transit Score 77), reducing the need for a car.
Montreal is North America's most bike-friendly city, with over 1,065 kilometers of bike lanes and paths.
The cost of living in Montreal is generally more affordable than in other major Canadian cities like Toronto and Vancouver.
Montreal's economy is diverse and resilient, with strong growth in sectors like aerospace, information technology, and digital media.
Drawbacks
Crimes against persons and hate crimes increased in Montreal in 2024.
Traffic congestion is a notable issue, with Montreal ranking among the most congested cities globally.
While overall rent is more affordable than some major cities, average rent prices have been consistently increasing.
The unemployment rate, while showing recent declines, climbed to 7.8% in 2024 before improving to 6.8% by December 2025.
The average commute time in Montreal is 29 minutes, which is among the highest in Canadian metro areas.
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.
Montreal
#2Quebec, Canada
78.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,351
Avg Salary
$53,475
Cost Index
63
Commute
29 min
Transit Score
77.0/10
Walkability
87.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
5.30%
Unemployment
6.80%
Livability
85
Business
75
Rexburg
#90Idaho, USA
56.6 / 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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