📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Rexburg and New York
Head-to-Head Analysis
Rexburg vs New York
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Rexburg | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $50,359 | $76,577 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.7% | 5.3% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $370,000 | $875,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $169 | $604 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,109 | $2,451 |
| Housing Cost Index | 111.0 | 149.3 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 94.6 | 109.5 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $2.89 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 242.6 | 364.2 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 40.8% | 42.5% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 51 | 31 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
The Ultimate Head-to-Head: New York City vs. Rexburg, Idaho
Listen up. You’re trying to decide between the concrete jungle that never sleeps and a quiet college town in the heart of Mormon country. This isn't just about geography; it's about two completely different universes of living. One is a global powerhouse of culture, finance, and chaos. The other is a tight-knit community where the biggest news is the homecoming parade.
I’m here to cut through the noise, look at the cold hard data, and tell you exactly where you belong. Let’s settle this.
The Vibe Check: High-Stakes Energy vs. Family-First Quiet
New York City is the definition of "The Grind." It’s a 24/7 metropolis where ambition is the currency. The vibe is electric, anonymous, and demanding. You’re trading personal space for infinite access—to world-class museums, Michelin-starred dining, and networking opportunities that don’t exist anywhere else on Earth. It’s for the hustler who wants to be a small fish in a massive, glittering ocean. If you crave anonymity within a crowd and energy that fuels you, NYC calls your name.
Rexburg, Idaho is the definition of "The Reset." It’s a small, family-centric town dominated by Brigham Young University-Idaho. The vibe is safe, quiet, and deeply community-oriented. Life revolves around seasons, outdoor recreation (hello, Yellowstone and Teton access), and local events. It’s for the person who wants to know their neighbors, values a slower pace, and prioritizes space and nature over nightlife. If you want to hear crickets at night and see stars, this is your spot.
Who is each city for?
- New York is for the ambitious, the culture vultures, and those who thrive on anonymity and constant stimulation. It’s for the career-focused, the artists, and the social butterflies.
- Rexburg is for the families, the outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking a slower, faith-based, or nature-centric lifestyle. It’s for the budget-conscious, the students, and those who value community over convenience.
The Dollar Power: Sticker Shock vs. Bang for Your Buck
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk purchasing power.
If you earn $100,000 in New York, your federal and state income taxes will eat a significant chunk. After taxes and living costs, your effective purchasing power is drastically lower. In Rexburg, that same $100,000 makes you feel like you’re living like royalty. The cost of living in Rexburg is roughly 40% lower than the national average, while NYC is about 87% higher.
Here’s the breakdown of monthly essentials:
| Category | New York | Rexburg | The Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | $2,451 | $1,109 | NYC rent is 121% higher. In Rexburg, you could rent a 1BR and still have over $1,300 left compared to NYC. |
| Utilities | ~$200 (ConEd) | ~$150 (Intermountain) | NYC utilities are higher due to density and older infrastructure. |
| Groceries | ~$450 | ~$300 | Food costs are about 33% higher in NYC. A gallon of milk is a luxury there. |
| Housing Index | 149.3 | 111.0 | A score above 100 is more expensive. NYC is nearly 50% more expensive than the national average. |
Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Let’s say you earn the median income in each city.
- In NYC, with a median income of $76,577, your take-home pay after taxes is roughly $55,000. After rent alone ($29,412/year), you’re left with ~$25,588 for everything else—utilities, food, transit, entertainment. It’s tight.
- In Rexburg, with a median income of $50,359, your take-home is about $42,000. After rent ($13,308/year), you’re left with ~$28,692. You have more disposable income at a lower salary.
The Tax Twist: New York State has a progressive income tax system (up to 10.9%). Idaho has a flat income tax of 6.5%. This adds another layer of savings in Rexburg.
Verdict on Dollar Power: If you want your money to go further, Rexburg wins in a landslide. The "sticker shock" in NYC is real and relentless. In Rexburg, you get genuine bang for your buck.
The Housing Market: Buying a Closet vs. Owning a Home
New York: Renting is the Only Viable Path for Most.
The median home price of $875,000 is a fantasy for the average earner. To afford that, you’d need an income of over $250,000. The market is brutally competitive, with all-cash offers common. The Housing Index of 149.3 screams "Seller’s Market." You’re likely renting for life unless you’re in the top 5% of earners. Even then, you’re buying a smaller space than you’d get anywhere else. Renting is the norm, but it’s expensive and unstable.
Rexburg: Homeownership is a Realistic Goal.
With a median home price of $370,000, owning a home is within reach for a dual-income family earning the median. The Housing Index of 111.0 is still a seller’s market, but significantly less intense. You can get a proper single-family home with a yard for the price of a studio apartment in NYC. The competition is there, but it’s not cutthroat. Renting is affordable, but buying builds equity in a manageable way.
The Bottom Line: In NYC, housing is a financial nightmare that defines your budget. In Rexburg, it’s a manageable expense that can lead to ownership. If owning a home is a life goal, Rexburg is your only realistic choice.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- New York: A nightmare. The subway is 24/7 but often crowded, delayed, and hot. Commutes can easily be 60-90 minutes each way. Car ownership is a financial and logistical burden (parking, insurance, traffic). Your life is measured in subway stops.
- Rexburg: Non-existent. You can get anywhere in town in under 10 minutes by car. Traffic is a non-issue. The biggest delay might be waiting for a train to pass. You own a car, and it’s affordable. Commute stress is virtually zero.
Weather
- New York: Four distinct, intense seasons. Summers are humid and often hit 90°F+, making the concrete feel like an oven. Winters are bitterly cold and snowy (avg 50°F is misleading; it swings wildly). You need a full wardrobe for every season.
- Rexburg: High desert climate. Winters are cold and snowy (avg 36°F), but dry. Summers are warm and pleasant, rarely hitting extreme highs. The dry air makes the cold and heat more tolerable. You get four seasons, but they are less extreme and more predictable.
Crime & Safety
- New York: The data shows a violent crime rate of 364.2/100k. While NYC is safer than many major US cities, this is still a real factor. Petty theft and the feeling of being on guard in crowded spaces are part of daily life. Your awareness is a constant low-level hum.
- Rexburg: With a violent crime rate of 242.6/100k, it’s statistically safer than NYC. The small-town dynamic means people know their neighbors. It’s the kind of place where you might forget to lock your door. The safety profile is a major draw for families.
The Final Verdict
Choosing between these two is about choosing your life’s operating system.
Winner for Families: Rexburg
Why: Space, safety, affordability, and community. You can buy a home, your kids can play outside, and the cost of living allows for a single-income household. The schools are good, and the environment is stable. It’s built for family life.
Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: New York
Why: Career opportunities are unparalleled. The cultural and social scene is infinite. You can network with the best in the world, date a diverse population, and never be bored. The sacrifices (high cost, small space) are the price of admission for the ultimate urban experience.
Winner for Retirees: Rexburg
Why: Low cost of living, extremely low crime, peaceful pace, and access to incredible outdoor recreation. Your retirement savings will stretch much further. The community is supportive, and the stress of city life is gone. It’s a serene place to enjoy your golden years.
Pros & Cons: The Final Breakdown
New York City
PROS:
- Unbeatable Career & Cultural Access: If you work in finance, media, arts, or tech, you’re at the epicenter.
- Endless Entertainment: World-class dining, theater, museums, and nightlife. You will never run out of things to do.
- Public Transportation: You don’t need a car. The subway, while imperfect, gets you almost everywhere.
- Diversity: You meet people from every corner of the globe. It’s a melting pot in the truest sense.
CONS:
- Extreme Cost of Living: The #1 drawback. Rent, food, taxes, and general expenses are crippling.
- Space & Privacy: You live in a shoebox. Your personal space is minimal, and anonymity can feel isolating.
- Stress & Pace: The constant noise, crowds, and pressure can lead to burnout. It’s not for the faint of heart.
- Weather Extremes: Brutal winters and humid summers.
Rexburg, Idaho
PROS:
- Affordability: You can live well on a modest income. Homeownership is a real possibility.
- Safety & Community: Low crime, friendly neighbors, and a strong sense of belonging.
- Outdoor Paradise: Proximity to Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and endless hiking, skiing, and fishing.
- Low Stress: Minimal traffic, quiet streets, and a slower, more manageable pace of life.
CONS:
- Limited Opportunities: The job market is narrow. If you’re not in education, healthcare, or retail, you may struggle.
- Isolation & Boredom: The cultural and social scene is tiny. You might drive to Salt Lake City (2 hours) for a concert.
- Homogeneity: The population is not diverse. If you value a multicultural environment, you may feel out of place.
- Weather & Isolation: Long, cold winters with significant snowfall. You’re far from major airports and amenities.
The Bottom Line: This is a choice between ambition and peace. Do you want to conquer the world, or do you want to build a life? There’s no wrong answer, but there is a right answer for you. Choose wisely.