Performance
Score Breakdown
Sterling Heights
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 Sterling Heights.
Housing costs are a major driver: Sterling Heights's average rent is
17% lower than Rexburg's.
| Metric | Sterling Heights | Rexburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $870 | $1,044 | -17% |
| Groceries | $400 | $262 | +53% |
| Utilities | $297 | $180 | +65% |
| Transport | $120 | $150 | -20% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $250 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $1,937 | $1,886 | +3% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 116 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Sterling Heights offers 30% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Sterling Heights delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Sterling Heights is estimated at
$45,000 vs $55,000 in Rexburg.
| Metric | Sterling Heights | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $51,264 | $39,531 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 53,962 idx | 34,078 idx |
| Household Income | $79,909 | $50,617 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Sterling Heights | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 64.00% | 66.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Rexburg has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,500 minutes (58 hours) per year compared to Sterling Heights.
For walkability, Rexburg leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Sterling Heights | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 42.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 60.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Sterling Heights is the larger city
— approximately 2.8x the population of Rexburg.
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 | Sterling Heights | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 133,851 | 47,466 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 0.32% |
| Median Age | 41.7 | 21.0 |
| Unemployment | 5.70% | 3.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Sterling Heights
Advantages
Sterling Heights has been ranked the #1 Best City in Michigan for First-Time Home Buyers in 2025 by WalletHub.
The city has consistently been named the safest big city in Michigan for six consecutive years, based on FBI crime reports from 2024.
The overall cost of living in Sterling Heights is 5% lower than the national average, with housing expenses being 28% lower.
Sterling Heights offers a diverse community with a welcoming atmosphere and numerous community events and recreational opportunities.
The average commute time of 24.7 minutes is shorter than the national average, and the city provides strong highway access.
Drawbacks
Public transportation options in Sterling Heights are limited, contributing to a high car dependency.
The city has a low walkability score, meaning most amenities require driving.
Healthcare costs in Sterling Heights are estimated to be 11% higher than the national average.
Some residents express frustration with traffic and congestion, particularly on major roads.
There is a perceived lack of unique retail and nightlife options, with a desire for more pedestrian-friendly 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.
Sterling Heights
#6Michigan, USA
78.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$870
Avg Salary
$51,264
Cost Index
95
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
5.70%
Livability
80
Business
70
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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