City Comparison
Polson vs Rexburg
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Polson scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Polson
Rexburg
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Rexburg is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
43% higher compared to Polson.
Housing costs are a major driver: Polson's average rent is
68% higher than Rexburg's.
| Metric | Polson | Rexburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,750 | $1,044 | +68% |
| Groceries | $400 | $262 | +53% |
| Utilities | $180 | $180 | 0% |
| Transport | $120 | $150 | -20% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $250 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,700 | $1,886 | +43% |
| Cost Index | 101 | 116 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Polson offers 64% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Polson delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Polson is estimated at
$55,000 vs $55,000 in Rexburg.
| Metric | Polson | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,000 | $39,531 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 64,356 idx | 34,078 idx |
| Household Income | $53,418 | $50,617 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Polson runs warmer on average — a 48.1°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Polson comes out ahead with 248 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Polson sees 46.6 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Polson | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 48.10°F | °F |
| Summer High | 79.60°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 21.00°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 23.60 in | in |
| Snowfall | 46.60 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 248 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 66.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
Polson 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 | Polson | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 27.0/10 | 42.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Rexburg is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Polson.
From a growth perspective, Polson is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Polson has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Polson | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,428 | 47,466 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.05% | 0.32% |
| Median Age | 43.0 | 21.0 |
| Unemployment | 3.20% | 3.80% |
| GDP | $61.9B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Polson
Advantages
Stunning natural beauty with proximity to Flathead Lake and outdoor recreational activities.
Growing economy supported by tourism, agriculture, and small-scale manufacturing.
Affordable cost of living compared to the national average, with housing costs on par.
Strong community spirit and family-friendly neighborhoods.
Montana's favorable tax environment with no state income tax.
Drawbacks
Car-dependent with limited public transportation options.
Housing market shows rapid rent acceleration and high median listing prices.
Weather can be unpredictable.
Poverty rate of 17.5% in 2024.
Job growth has seen a slight decline in recent years.
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.
Polson
#57Montana, USA
62.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,750
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
101
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
27.0/10
Sunny Days
248/yr
Avg Temp
48.10°F
Pop. Growth
2.05%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
74
Business
68
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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