📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Rexburg and Los Angeles
Head-to-Head Analysis
Rexburg vs Los Angeles
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Rexburg | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $50,359 | $79,701 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.7% | 5.5% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $370,000 | $1,002,500 |
| Price per SqFt | $169 | $616 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,109 | $2,006 |
| Housing Cost Index | 111.0 | 173.0 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 94.6 | 107.9 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.98 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 242.6 | 732.5 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 40.8% | 39.2% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 51 | 52 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Los Angeles vs. Rexburg: The Ultimate Relocation Showdown
So, you're staring at two dots on the map. One is a sprawling, sun-drenched metropolis known for Hollywood dreams and agonizing traffic. The other is a quiet, tucked-away college town in eastern Idaho, where the mountains meet the plains and the pace slows to a crawl. Choosing between Los Angeles and Rexburg isn't just a geography lesson; it's a fundamental choice about how you want to live. Are you chasing the limelight or seeking a quiet corner of the world?
As your Relocation Expert, I'm here to cut through the noise. We're going to break this down with hard data, real-world context, and a healthy dose of opinion. By the end of this, you'll know exactly which city is the right fit for your life stage, your wallet, and your sanity.
The Vibe Check: Hustle vs. Heartland
Let's be real: these two cities exist on different planets.
Los Angeles is the definition of a fast-paced, high-stakes metro. It’s a city of endless ambition, where the energy is palpable. You’re trading space for access—to world-class dining, cutting-edge culture, diverse communities, and an ocean breeze (on a good day). It’s for the dreamers, the hustlers, and those who thrive on the buzz of a million possibilities. The vibe is "hustle culture" meets "chill beach day," often in the same 24 hours. Who is LA for? Young professionals chasing a career in entertainment or tech, foodies who want every cuisine on earth at their fingertips, and people who believe the opportunities outweigh the costs.
Rexburg, on the other hand, is the definition of heartland America. It’s the home of Brigham Young University-Idaho (BYU-Idaho), which means the town is young, clean, and deeply community-oriented. The pace is deliberate. You trade endless options for a simpler, more predictable life. The vibe is "front porch conversations" and "mountain adventures." It’s for those who value family, faith, and outdoor recreation. Who is Rexburg for? Families seeking a safe, tight-knit community, students on a budget, and retirees who want a peaceful, four-season climate without the chaos of a major city.
Verdict: If you need a city that never sleeps, Los Angeles is your beast. If you crave a town where you know your neighbors and the stars are visible at night, Rexburg wins.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Actually Go?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let's talk purchasing power. We'll use a hypothetical $100,000 salary as our benchmark, but the principles apply at any income level.
Cost of Living Breakdown
| Expense Category | Los Angeles | Rexburg | The Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Income | $79,701 | $50,359 | LA's income is 58% higher, but costs are far more. |
| Median Home Price | $1,002,500 | $370,000 | A home in LA costs 2.7x more than in Rexburg. |
| Rent (1BR) | $2,006 | $1,109 | LA rent is 81% higher. |
| Housing Index | 173.0 (73% above nat'l avg) | 111.0 (11% above nat'l avg) | LA's housing market is in a different stratosphere. |
| Groceries | ~25% above nat'l avg | ~5% above nat'l avg | Daily essentials are noticeably pricier in LA. |
| Utilities | ~15% above nat'l avg | ~20% above nat'l avg | Rexburg's cold winters spike heating bills. |
The Salary Wars: The $100k Reality
In Los Angeles, a $100,000 salary feels like $70,000 after California's high state income tax (which can run up to 12.3%). You're immediately hit with the "sticker shock" of rent or a mortgage that devours 40-50% of your take-home pay. The remaining money goes to higher gas, parking, and entertainment costs. Your purchasing power is diluted by the sheer cost of existing in a major metro.
In Rexburg, a $100,000 salary is king. Idaho has a flat state income tax of 6.5%, so your take-home is significantly better. Your housing cost—whether you rent or buy—is a fraction of your income. You can afford a nice home, a car payment, and still have ample cash for savings, travel, and hobbies. That same $100,000 salary gives you a lifestyle that would cost $200,000+ in Los Angeles.
Insight: The tax difference is a massive dealbreaker. California's high taxes fund services but crush disposable income. Idaho's lower tax burden, combined with its low cost of living, supercharges your financial freedom.
Verdict: For pure financial comfort and purchasing power, Rexburg is the undisputed champion. You'll live like royalty on a middle-class income. Los Angeles is a financial grind unless you're in the top 10% of earners.
The Housing Market: Buy a Dream or Rent a Closet?
Buying a Home
- Los Angeles: The median home price is $1,002,500. To qualify for a conventional mortgage, you'd need an income of $250,000+ and a $200,000 down payment. It's a seller's market with intense competition, bidding wars, and often all-cash offers. For most, homeownership is a distant dream.
- Rexburg: The median home price is $370,000. A household earning $100,000 can comfortably afford this with a $74,000 down payment (20%). The market is more balanced, with inventory available. You can actually buy a single-family home with a yard.
Renting
- Los Angeles: Renting is the default for most. A $2,006 rent for a 1BR is just the starting point; in popular neighborhoods, it's much higher. You're competing with thousands for limited units, and rent control only helps existing tenants.
- Rexburg: At $1,109, renting is affordable, especially for students and young families. However, the rental market is heavily influenced by the academic calendar, with tight competition around the start of each semester.
Verdict: If your goal is to build equity and own a home, Rexburg is the only realistic option for the average earner. Los Angeles is a rental market for all but the wealthy.
The Dealbreakers: Traffic, Weather, and Safety
These are the daily realities that shape your quality of life.
Traffic & Commute:
- Los Angeles: Legendary. The average commute can be 30-60 minutes each way. Traffic is a constant, soul-crushing presence. You plan your life around it. Public transit exists but is limited for a city of its size.
- Rexburg: Non-existent. The town is small and walkable. Most commutes are under 10 minutes. Traffic jams are a 5-car slowdown at a single stoplight. This is a massive, underrated quality-of-life win for Rexburg.
Weather:
- Los Angeles: Mild, Mediterranean. The average is 54°F, but that's deceptive. Summers are hot and dry (often 85-95°F), with occasional heatwaves. It's sunny year-round, but the lack of seasons can feel monotonous. Wildfire smoke is a growing concern.
- Rexburg: Continental. The average is 36°F, telling the real story. You get four distinct seasons: glorious summers, beautiful falls, snowy winters (expect 40-60 inches of snow), and muddy springs. Winters are long and cold, with temperatures often below freezing. This is a major adjustment for anyone from a warm climate.
Crime & Safety:
- Los Angeles: Violent crime rate is 732.5 per 100,000. This is above the national average. Safety varies drastically by neighborhood. You must be vigilant about property crime (car break-ins are common) and situational awareness in certain areas.
- Rexburg: Violent crime rate is 242.6 per 100,000. This is significantly lower than the national average and dramatically safer than LA. It's a place where kids can walk to school, and you rarely worry about violent crime. It's one of the safest cities of its size in the US.
Verdict: For daily sanity and safety, Rexburg wins decisively. The lack of traffic and low crime rates are life-changing. Los Angeles's weather is a plus, but the traffic and safety concerns are major negatives.
The Final Verdict: Who Wins Your Relocation?
This isn't about which city is "better"—it's about which city is better for you.
Winner for Families: Rexburg
- Why: The combination of extremely low crime, excellent schools (BYU-Idaho influences the entire district), affordable housing, and a tight-knit community makes it a dream for raising kids. The slower pace and abundant outdoor activities (hiking, fishing, skiing) are perfect for family life. The financial pressure is minimal, allowing for a single-income household if desired.
Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Los Angeles
- Why: If you're in entertainment, tech, or a specialized field, LA offers unparalleled career opportunities and networking. The social scene is vibrant and diverse. You'll have access to world-class concerts, museums, and nightlife. The trade-off is financial and personal stress, but for those building a career, the upside is worth it.
Winner for Retirees: Rexburg
- Why: A lower cost of living means retirement savings go much further. The safe, quiet environment is ideal for a peaceful retirement. While the winters are cold, the community is active and engaged. For retirees who value community, safety, and a slower pace, Rexburg is a far more sensible choice than the expensive, crowded chaos of LA.
Pros & Cons: At a Glance
Los Angeles: The Dream Machine
Pros:
- Unmatched career opportunities in major industries.
- Incredible cultural and culinary diversity.
- Iconic beaches and mountain access.
- Year-round mild weather (mostly).
- Global entertainment hub.
Cons:
- Brutal cost of living and high taxes.
- Severe traffic and long commutes.
- High crime rates in many areas.
- Housing is unattainable for most.
- Competitive, high-pressure social environment.
Rexburg: The Hidden Gem
Pros:
- Extremely low cost of living and high purchasing power.
- Top-tier safety and low crime.
- No traffic and short commutes.
- Strong sense of community and family-friendly.
- Affordable homeownership.
- Stunning access to outdoor recreation.
Cons:
- Limited career options outside education and local services.
- Harsh, long winters with heavy snow.
- Limited cultural diversity and entertainment (fewer concerts, museums).
- Very small population—can feel isolated.
- The social scene is quiet and family-oriented.
Bottom Line: Choose Los Angeles if you're chasing a high-octane career and can stomach the financial and logistical grind. Choose Rexburg if you value financial freedom, safety, community, and a simpler, outdoor-oriented life. The data makes it clear: for most people, Rexburg offers a vastly better quality of life for the dollar.