Performance
Score Breakdown
Strand
Rexburg
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Rexburg is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
48% higher compared to Strand.
Housing costs are a major driver: Strand's average rent is
72% higher than Rexburg's.
| Metric | Strand | Rexburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,800 | $1,044 | +72% |
| Groceries | $450 | $262 | +72% |
| Utilities | $180 | $180 | 0% |
| Transport | $120 | $150 | -20% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $250 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,800 | $1,886 | +48% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 116 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Rexburg offers 24% 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 Strand is estimated at
$28,000 vs $55,000 in Rexburg.
| Metric | Strand | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $30,000 | $39,531 |
| Salary Needed | $28,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 31,579 idx | 34,078 idx |
| Household Income | $62,000 | $50,617 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Strand | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | 66.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Rexburg has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,000 minutes (83 hours) per year compared to Strand.
Strand scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Strand leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Strand | 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 | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Strand is the larger city
— approximately 1.4x the population of Rexburg.
From a growth perspective, Strand 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 | Strand | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 65,635 | 47,466 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.60% | 0.32% |
| Median Age | 27.2 | 21.0 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 3.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Strand
Advantages
Property values have shown significant capital growth, with average prices in sought-after suburbs like Strand North and Strand Central increasing by 11.6% per year from 2021 to 2024.
The Western Cape province, which includes Strand, consistently has one of the lowest unemployment rates in South Africa, indicating a robust job market.
Strand is well-served by schools and nearby healthcare facilities, contributing to a good quality of life.
The town offers a desirable coastal lifestyle with a long sandy beach and scenic mountain views, attracting residents seeking outdoor recreation.
Ongoing municipal infrastructure upgrades and private sector investments are enhancing the town's amenities and economic prospects.
Drawbacks
The cost of living, particularly housing, is rising rapidly, making it difficult for some residents, including essential workers, to afford accommodation.
Crime statistics for the broader precinct indicate that total crime is significantly above the provincial median, with contact and property crimes being notable concerns.
Car dependency is high, with 73% of residents using private vehicles for commuting, suggesting potential traffic and parking challenges.
While property values are increasing, this also contributes to affordability issues for long-term residents and lower-income households.
The town's popularity is leading to concerns about displacement of long-term residents due to escalating property costs.
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.
Strand
#1Western Cape, South Africa
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$30,000
Cost Index
95
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.60%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
74
Business
68
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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