Performance
Score Breakdown
Tauranga
Rexburg
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Tauranga is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
30% lower compared to Rexburg.
Housing costs are a major driver: Tauranga's average rent is
36% lower than Rexburg's.
| Metric | Tauranga | Rexburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $668 | $1,044 | -36% |
| Groceries | $400 | $262 | +53% |
| Utilities | $111 | $180 | -38% |
| Transport | $150 | $150 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $250 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $1,329 | $1,886 | -30% |
| Cost Index | 70 | 116 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Rexburg offers 100% lower average salaries.
| Metric | Tauranga | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $0 | $39,531 |
| Salary Needed | $0 | $55,000 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Tauranga | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 66.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Rexburg has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,500 minutes (58 hours) per year compared to Tauranga.
Tauranga scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Tauranga leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Tauranga | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 45.0/10 | 42.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Tauranga is the larger city
— approximately 3.6x the population of Rexburg.
From a growth perspective, Tauranga 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 | Tauranga | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,633 | 47,466 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.20% | 0.32% |
| Median Age | 39.4 | 21.0 |
| Unemployment | 5.08% | 3.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Tauranga
Advantages
Tauranga's population is growing rapidly, with a 2.2% annual increase to 2026, indicating strong appeal and development.
The city boasts a very high Climate Index of 98.04, offering warm summers and mild winters ideal for outdoor activities.
Tauranga has a high Quality of Life Index of 186.37, reflecting a desirable lifestyle with extensive outdoor access and a relaxed coastal pace.
The Port of Tauranga is New Zealand's largest, making the city a significant hub for international trade and a strong export economy, particularly in horticulture.
The cost of living index is moderate at 66.55 (relative to NYC), suggesting it is more affordable than many major global cities.
Drawbacks
Housing affordability is a pressure point, with average home values over $1 million NZD as of March 2026.
Public transportation is not yet optimized, making private vehicle ownership often essential for commuting.
The city has fewer career opportunities and limited higher education options compared to larger metropolitan centers.
Tauranga experiences congested port traffic, which can impact local transportation and infrastructure.
Specific monthly grocery costs for Tauranga are difficult to ascertain for 2024+, with available data appearing lower than typical estimates.
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.
Tauranga
#4Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$668
Avg Salary
$0
Cost Index
70
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
35.0/10
Walkability
45.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.20%
Unemployment
5.08%
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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