Rexburg vs Philadelphia

Category / Metric	Rexburg	Philadelphia
Financial Overview
Median Income	$50,359	$60,302
Unemployment Rate	3.7%	4.7%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$370,000	$270,375
Price per SqFt	$169	$204
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,109	$1,451
Housing Cost Index	111.0	117.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	94.6	100.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	242.6	726.5
Bachelor's Degree+	40.8%	35.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	51	40

Of course. Here is the ultimate head-to-head showdown between Philadelphia and Rexburg.

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The Ultimate Head-to-Head: Philadelphia vs. Rexburg

Choosing a city isn't just about picking a pin on a map. It's about choosing a lifestyle, a community, and a future. So, let's pour a metaphorical coffee and dig into the data-driven dirt between two wildly different American cities: the historic, gritty powerhouse of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the small, family-focused college town of Rexburg, Idaho.

This isn't just a numbers game. It's a clash of cultures. On one side, you have a bustling East Coast metropolis with 1.5 million people, world-class museums, and a legendary food scene. On the other, you have a tight-knit community of under 40,000 in the shadow of the Teton Mountains, known for its safety, serenity, and family values.

Let the showdown begin.

The Vibe Check: Big City Grind vs. Mountain Town Calm

Philadelphia is for the hustler, the history buff, the foodie, and the extrovert. This is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own personality. You can grab a world-famous cheesesteak in South Philly, wander through Independence Hall where the nation was born, or catch a concert in a dive bar. The energy is palpable—it's loud, fast-paced, and unapologetically authentic. It’s a city that rewards curiosity and grit. If you thrive on constant stimulation and want endless options for dining, culture, and nightlife, Philly is your playground.

Rexburg, on the other hand, is the definition of a "slow living" destination. Nestled in eastern Idaho, its identity is deeply tied to Brigham Young University–Idaho (BYU-Idaho) and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The vibe here is quiet, community-oriented, and deeply family-focused. Life revolves around outdoor recreation—hiking, fishing, skiing in nearby Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks—and local events. It’s a place where you know your neighbors, kids play outside freely, and the pace of life is dictated by the seasons, not the stock market. If your dream is to trade skyscrapers for mountain silhouettes and noise for nature's quiet, Rexburg is calling.

Who it's for:

• Philadelphia: Urbanites, career-driven professionals, foodies, history lovers, and anyone who needs a 24/7 city buzz.
• Rexburg: Families seeking a safe, tight-knit community, outdoor enthusiasts, retirees wanting peace, and students at BYU-Idaho.

The Dollar Power: Your Wallet's Best Friend

This is where the two cities diverge dramatically. The "sticker shock" of Philadelphia's housing is offset by a massive advantage in purchasing power.

Let's break down the monthly costs. We'll use the data provided, but remember these are medians—actual costs can vary by neighborhood and lifestyle.

Category	Philadelphia	Rexburg	Winner
Median Income	$60,302	$50,359	Philadelphia
1BR Rent	$1,451	$1,109	Rexburg
Median Home Price	$270,375	$370,000	Philadelphia
Housing Index	117.8	111.0	Rexburg

At first glance, Rexburg looks cheaper for renters. The rent is about $342/month less than Philly. But hold on. Let's talk about the real game-changer: purchasing power.

If you earn $100,000 in both cities, where does your dollar stretch further?

• In Philadelphia: With a median home price of $270,375 and a median income of $60,302, the home price is about 4.5x the median income. It's a tough market, but a $100k salary gives you significant buying power here. You can find a solid starter home or a nice condo. Plus, Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax of 3.07%. It's straightforward and relatively low.
• In Rexburg: The median home price of $370,000 is a staggering 7.3x the median income of $50,359. This is the core of Rexburg's problem: housing costs have skyrocketed, likely due to its desirability as a safe, scenic town and proximity to major vacation spots. A $100k salary here gets you less house for more money. Idaho has a progressive income tax ranging from 1.125% to 6.925%. Higher earners will feel the pinch more than in PA.

The Verdict on Your Wallet:
While Rexburg is cheaper for renters, Philadelphia is the clear winner for buyers and for overall purchasing power. The housing market in Rexburg is severely out of whack with local incomes. For the same $100,000 salary, you'll get significantly more house and a better cost-of-living ratio in Philadelphia.

VERDICT: DOLLAR POWER
WINNER: PHILADELPHIA
Why? The home price-to-income ratio is far more manageable. You get more bang for your buck, especially if you're looking to buy.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent Breakdown

Philadelphia:
The housing market here is a tale of two cities. In desirable neighborhoods like Fishtown, Rittenhouse Square, or Queen Village, you're in a seller's market. Bidding wars are common, and inventory moves fast. However, the city's sheer size means there are still pockets of affordability, especially for first-time homebuyers willing to look in up-and-coming areas. The housing index of 117.8 reflects that it's 17.8% more expensive than the national average, but it’s a major metro, so that’s expected. Renting is a popular and viable option with a large inventory of apartments and row homes.

Rexburg:
Rexburg is unequivocally a seller's market. With a tiny population and limited housing stock, demand from students, faculty, and families seeking a safe haven has far outpaced supply. The median home price of $370,000 for a small town is a clear sign of this pressure. Even with a slightly lower housing index (111.0), the local income simply can't keep up. Finding an affordable home to buy is a major challenge for the average resident. Renting is also competitive, though slightly easier on the wallet than buying.

VERDICT: HOUSING MARKET
WINNER: PHILADELPHIA
Why? While competitive in prime areas, Philly offers a wider range of price points and a more achievable path to homeownership than Rexburg's hyper-inflated market.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

This is where personal preference takes the wheel.

Traffic & Commute:

• Philadelphia: Welcome to the East Coast. Traffic on I-95, the Schuylkill Expressway, and the Blue Route can be brutal. Average commute times hover around 30-35 minutes. Public transit (SEPTA) is extensive and a viable option for many, but it comes with its own set of delays and crowds.
• Rexburg: Traffic is a foreign concept. A "rush hour" might mean waiting an extra light cycle at the main intersection. Commutes are a breeze, typically under 15 minutes. The city is highly walkable and bikeable.

Weather:

• Philadelphia: Experiences all four seasons, and they can be extreme. Summers are hot and humid, often hitting the 90s with high humidity. Winters are cold, snowy, and gray, with temperatures frequently dipping into the 20s. Spring and fall are beautiful but can be short-lived. The average annual temperature is 52.0°F.
• Rexburg: High-desert climate with cold, snowy winters and mild, dry summers. Winters are long and can be brutal, with temps regularly in the teens and single digits and heavy snowfall. Summers are pleasant and dry, rarely getting oppressively hot. The average annual temperature is a chilly 36.0°F. If you hate the cold, Rexburg is a non-starter.

Crime & Safety:

• Philadelphia: This is Philly's biggest hurdle. The violent crime rate is 726.5 per 100k people, which is more than 3x the national average. While crime is heavily concentrated in specific neighborhoods, it's a city-wide concern and a reality of urban life. You must be street-smart and research neighborhoods carefully.
• Rexburg: This is one of Rexburg's crown jewels. The violent crime rate is 242.6 per 100k people, which is below the national average. The sense of safety is tangible. People leave their doors unlocked, kids roam freely, and the community looks out for one another. For families, this is a massive, often non-negotiable, selling point.

VERDICT: QUALITY OF LIFE
WINNER: REXBURG (for safety & commute) / PHILADELPHIA (for climate diversity & amenities)
Why? It's a tie, because it depends entirely on your priorities. If safety and a stress-free commute are your top concerns, Rexburg wins hands down. If you prefer a more traditional four-season climate and access to major city amenities, Philly is the pick.

Final Showdown: Pros & Cons

Philadelphia: The Gritty Classic

PROS:

• Unbeatable Culture: World-class museums, historic sites, legendary food scene.
• Job Market: Diverse economy with strong sectors in healthcare, education, and finance.
• Purchasing Power: Your salary goes further here than in Rexburg, especially for homebuyers.
• Transit & Walkability: A walkable city with decent public transportation.
• Connectivity: Easy access to NYC, DC, and the Jersey Shore.

CONS:

• High Crime: Safety is a serious concern and varies drastically by neighborhood.
• Traffic & Congestion: Daily life can be frustrating due to traffic and crowds.
• High Taxes & Costs: While housing is a relative bargain, city wage taxes and overall cost of living are high.
• Harsh Winters: Cold, snowy, and gray winters can be draining.

Rexburg: The Mountain Sanctuary

PROS:

• Incredible Safety: One of its biggest draws; low crime and a tight-knit community.
• Outdoor Paradise: Unparalleled access to hiking, fishing, skiing, and national parks.
• Low Commute & Traffic: A stress-free daily life with minimal time wasted in the car.
• Family-Friendly: Excellent environment for raising children with a strong community focus.
• Clean & Scenic: Beautiful natural surroundings and a clean, well-maintained town.

CONS:

• Housing Affordability Crisis: Sky-high home prices relative to local incomes make buying nearly impossible for many.
• Limited Economy & Diversity: Job opportunities are limited outside of education, retail, and services. The culture is not diverse.
• Harsh & Long Winters: The cold and snow are not for the faint of heart.
• Isolation: It's a remote town. Travel requires a long drive to a major airport (Salt Lake City, 2.5 hours away).
• Limited Amenities: Fewer dining, shopping, and entertainment options compared to a major city.

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The Verdict: Who Wins?

This isn't about one city being "better" than the other. It's about which city is better for you.

WINNER for Families:
Rexburg
Why? For parents, safety is often the ultimate dealbreaker. Rexburg's low crime rate, strong community, and outdoor-focused lifestyle provide an idyllic environment for raising kids. The trade-off is the brutal housing market and limited career options for parents.

WINNER for Singles & Young Professionals:
Philadelphia
Why? The career opportunities, social scene, cultural amenities, and dating pool in a city of 1.5 million are infinitely larger than in a town of 40,000. Philly offers the energy and diversity that young people often crave to build their careers and social lives.

WINNER for Retirees:
Rexburg (with a caveat)
Why? If you're an active retiree who loves the outdoors and prioritizes safety and a quiet pace of life, Rexburg is a dream. The caveat? You need to be prepared for the cold and have your housing situation sorted, as the market is tough. For retirees who want walkable urban amenities, cultural events, and milder winters, Philadelphia's suburbs could be a better fit.

Ultimately, the choice boils down to a fundamental question: Do you want the relentless energy and opportunity of a historic American metropolis, or the safe, serene, and outdoor-focused life of a small mountain town? The data points to Philadelphia for economic value and opportunity, and to Rexburg for safety and lifestyle. Your heart will have to decide the rest.