Performance
Score Breakdown
Worcester
Rexburg
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Rexburg is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
39% higher compared to Worcester.
Housing costs are a major driver: Worcester's average rent is
72% higher than Rexburg's.
| Metric | Worcester | Rexburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,800 | $1,044 | +72% |
| Groceries | $400 | $262 | +53% |
| Utilities | $180 | $180 | 0% |
| Transport | $90 | $150 | -40% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $250 | -40% |
| Monthly Total | $2,620 | $1,886 | +39% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 116 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Worcester offers 69% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Worcester delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Worcester is estimated at
$55,000 vs $55,000 in Rexburg.
| Metric | Worcester | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $67,000 | $39,531 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 70,526 idx | 34,078 idx |
| Household Income | $70,102 | $50,617 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Worcester | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 67.00% | 66.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Rexburg has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Worcester.
Worcester scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Worcester leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Worcester | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 24 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 34.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 56.0/10 | 42.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 36.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Worcester is the larger city
— approximately 4.4x the population of Rexburg.
From a growth perspective, Worcester 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 | Worcester | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 207,055 | 47,466 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.40% | 0.32% |
| Median Age | 33.9 | 21.0 |
| Unemployment | 4.30% | 3.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Worcester
Advantages
Worcester offers a cost of living that is more affordable than the national average, particularly in housing costs compared to Boston.
The city has a growing job market with strong sectors in healthcare, education, and technology, supported by major employers and research institutions.
Worcester boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous theaters, museums, and a diverse culinary landscape.
The median property value in Worcester, while increasing, remains more accessible than in many other Massachusetts municipalities.
Worcester has a Walk Score of 56, indicating that some daily errands can be accomplished on foot, and offers public transit options including MBTA Commuter Rail service to Boston.
Drawbacks
Worcester experienced a significant surge in homicides in 2024, marking the highest number in nearly four years.
While improving, the city's transit score is 34, suggesting that public transportation accessibility and frequency could be enhanced.
The median household income in Worcester ($70,102 in 2024) is lower than the median for Worcester County ($95,900 from 2020-2024).
Worcester's crime trajectory is described as volatile, and it has a higher violent-to-property crime ratio than the national average.
Despite a growing job market, salary growth in Worcester County has lagged behind state and national averages, with notable racial and ethnic disparities in unemployment.
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.
Worcester
#72Massachusetts, USA
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$67,000
Cost Index
95
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
34.0/10
Walkability
56.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.40%
Unemployment
4.30%
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
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Worcester and Rexburg.
Open Cost Calculator