📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Rexburg and Chicago
Head-to-Head Analysis
Rexburg vs Chicago
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Rexburg | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $50,359 | $74,474 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.7% | 4.2% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $370,000 | $365,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $169 | $261 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,109 | $1,507 |
| Housing Cost Index | 111.0 | 110.7 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 94.6 | 103.3 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.40 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 242.6 | 819.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 40.8% | 45.7% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 51 | 38 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Chicago vs. Rexburg: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
When it comes to relocation, the choice between Chicago and Rexburg isn't just about geography—it's a complete lifestyle overhaul. You're picking between the beating heart of the Midwest and a tight-knit college town in the shadow of the Tetons. The data paints a stark picture, but the real story is in how those numbers translate to your daily life. Let's cut through the noise and get you the unvarnished truth.
The Vibe Check: Big City Buzz vs. Mountain Town Charm
Chicago is the quintessential big American city. With a population of 2.66 million, it's a sprawling metropolis of world-class museums, a legendary food scene, iconic architecture, and a professional sports culture that runs deep. It's fast-paced, diverse, and relentlessly energetic. The vibe is "gritty and ambitious"—think "The Bear" meets "The Dark Knight." This is a city for the career-driven, the culturally curious, and those who thrive on anonymity and endless options.
Rexburg is the polar opposite. A town of just 39,589 people, it's best known as the home of Brigham Young University-Idaho (BYU-Idaho). The culture is deeply rooted in the LDS faith, which shapes the community's values, social scene, and even its laws (no alcohol sold in the city limits). Life revolves around the university, the stunning natural beauty of eastern Idaho, and a family-centric, quiet pace. This is a town for the outdoorsy, the budget-conscious, and those seeking a strong sense of community over urban anonymity.
Who is each city for?
- Chicago is for the careerist, the foodie, the museum-goer, and anyone who believes "boredom" should be a foreign word. It's for people who want anonymity in a crowd and the thrill of the city.
- Rexburg is for the family-focused, the student, the retiree, or the remote worker who wants a quiet, safe, and affordable home base surrounded by some of the most dramatic landscapes on earth.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Paycheck Stretch Further?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let's break down the cost of living, because a high salary means nothing if it's all going to rent and taxes.
Cost of Living Head-to-Head
| Category | Chicago | Rexburg | The Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Income | $74,474 | $50,359 | Chicago pays more, but it's a high-cost city. |
| Median Home Price | $365,000 | $370,000 | Surprisingly similar, but the type of home differs wildly. |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,507 | $1,109 | Chicago rent is ~36% higher—a massive gap. |
| Housing Index | 110.7 | 111.0 | Essentially tied; both are above the national average. |
| State Income Tax | 5.0% (flat) | 4.5% (flat) | A minor win for Idaho, but not a dealbreaker. |
Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Let's run the numbers. If you earn a $100,000 salary in Chicago, after federal, state, and local taxes (Chicago has its own 2.25% tax), you're likely taking home around $70,000-$72,000. Your rent alone eats $1,507/month, or $18,084/year. That's ~25% of your take-home pay just on rent.
Now, imagine that same $100,000 salary in Rexburg. After Idaho's 4.5% state tax, your take-home is closer to $74,000. Your rent is $1,109/month ($13,308/year), which is only ~18% of your take-home pay.
The Verdict: While salaries are higher in Chicago, your purchasing power is significantly greater in Rexburg. The lower rent and slightly better tax situation mean your money goes much further. For the average earner, Rexburg is the clear financial winner. Chicago's high costs are a classic case of "sticker shock."
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
At first glance, the median home prices look almost identical. But this is where data can be deceiving.
- Chicago: The $365,000 median price gets you a condo in a decent neighborhood or a single-family home in the outer, less trendy suburbs. The market is highly competitive, especially in desirable areas like Lincoln Park or the North Shore. It's a seller's market in prime locations, with bidding wars driving prices up. Renting is a practical necessity for many, with high demand and limited supply keeping prices elevated.
- Rexburg: The $370,000 median price buys a significantly different home. For that price, you're looking at a modern 3-4 bedroom single-family house, often with a yard, in a safe, quiet neighborhood. The market is less frenetic than major metros, but it's still competitive due to the influx of students and faculty. Availability is tighter than it seems for a town this size. It's more of a balanced market, leaning slightly toward sellers.
Insight: In Chicago, your housing budget is a major constraint. In Rexburg, your housing budget buys you more space, privacy, and land. If you're dreaming of a backyard and a garage, Rexburg is the far better bet for your money.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
Chicago: A "dealbreaker" for many. The traffic is legendary, and public transit (the "L") is crowded and aging. Commutes can easily hit 45-60 minutes one-way. Car ownership is expensive (parking, insurance, gas) and often unnecessary, but the transit system, while extensive, has its own frustrations.
Winner: Rexburg. Traffic is virtually non-existent. You can get across town in 5-10 minutes. Commutes are a breeze. The air of constant, low-grade stress that defines big-city commuting doesn't exist here.
Weather
Chicago: The data says 21°F for a reason. Winters are brutal, with lake-effect snow, biting winds, and gray skies that can last for months. Summers are hot and humid, often hitting the 90°F mark. It's a city of extremes. You need a robust wardrobe and the mental fortitude to handle the cold.
Rexburg: At 36°F, it's slightly milder, but don't be fooled. Winters are still long, cold, and snowy, though the sun often shines. Summers are dry and pleasant, a welcome relief from humidity. The biggest advantage? Proximity to the mountains means incredible outdoor recreation year-round.
Winner: Rexburg (if you hate humidity and love sunny, dry cold). Chicago wins if you prefer distinct seasons and the urban energy that comes with them.
Crime & Safety
Here, the data is unambiguous.
- Chicago Violent Crime Rate: 819.0 per 100k residents.
- Rexburg Violent Crime Rate: 242.6 per 100k residents.
Rexburg is dramatically safer. Chicago's crime rate is over 3x higher. While crime in Chicago is heavily concentrated in certain neighborhoods, the city-wide statistic is a sobering reality. In Rexburg, violent crime is rare, and the community is tight-knit with a strong sense of shared values and mutual accountability. For families or anyone who prioritizes personal safety, this is a massive differentiator.
The Final Verdict: Who Wins Where?
After weighing the data, cost, and lifestyle, here are the clear winners for different demographics.
Winner for Families: Rexburg
With a lower cost of living, dramatically safer environment, excellent public schools (BYU-Idaho influences the local system), and a community built around family values, Rexburg is the undeniable choice. The ability to afford a spacious home with a yard on a median income is a game-changer. The outdoor access for raising active kids is a bonus Chicago can't match.
Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Chicago
For career acceleration, networking, and social life, Chicago is in a different league. The job market is vast and diverse. The nightlife, dating scene, and cultural amenities are endless. While the cost is high and safety is a concern, the professional and personal growth opportunities are unparalleled. You have to be willing to hustle and accept the trade-offs.
Winner for Retirees: Rexburg
This is a tougher call, but Rexburg edges out. The lower cost of living protects a fixed income. The safety is a major peace-of-mind factor. The slower pace is less stressful, and the access to nature is ideal for an active retirement. While Chicago offers world-class healthcare and cultural events, the daily grind, cost, and safety concerns are significant deterrents for most retirees.
Chicago: The Unvarnished Truth
Pros:
- Unmatched Career Opportunities: A global hub for finance, tech, and countless industries.
- World-Class Culture: Museums, theater, music, and food that rival any city on earth.
- Public Transit: Despite its flaws, it's extensive and allows for a car-free lifestyle.
- Vibrant & Diverse: Every neighborhood feels like a different city.
Cons:
- High Cost of Living: Rent and taxes eat up a huge chunk of your income.
- Violent Crime: A serious issue that can't be ignored, even if it's localized.
- Extreme Weather: Harsh winters and muggy summers require a tough mental constitution.
- Traffic & Commute: A daily source of stress and lost time.
Rexburg: The Unvarnished Truth
Pros:
- Incredible Affordability: Your salary goes much further here, especially for housing.
- Extremely Safe: One of the safest communities of its size in the nation.
- Outdoor Paradise: Gateway to the Tetons, Yellowstone, and endless hiking, skiing, and fishing.
- Tight-Knit Community: A strong sense of belonging and shared values.
Cons:
- Limited Diversity & Culture: The social and cultural scene is very small and homogeneous.
- Restricted Lifestyle: The LDS influence means no bars, limited nightlife, and a conservative social fabric.
- Small Job Market: Opportunities are limited outside education, retail, and healthcare.
- Isolation: It's a remote location; travel to major airports or other cities requires planning.
The Bottom Line: This isn't a choice between two similar cities. It's a choice between two completely different worlds. Chicago is for those who want the city to be their playground and are willing to pay the price. Rexburg is for those who prioritize safety, affordability, and community, and are happy to trade big-city excitement for mountain views and a quiet life. Know thyself, and choose accordingly.