đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Rexburg and San Diego
Head-to-Head Analysis
Rexburg vs San Diego
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Rexburg | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $50,359 | $105,780 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.7% | 4.9% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $370,000 | $930,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $169 | $662 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,109 | $2,248 |
| Housing Cost Index | 111.0 | 185.8 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 94.6 | 103.5 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.98 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 242.6 | 378.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 40.8% | 52% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 51 | 25 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
The Ultimate Head-to-Head: San Diego vs. Rexburg
By: Your Relocation Expert & Data Journalist
Choosing where to plant your roots is the ultimate life hack. It dictates your daily vibe, your bank account’s health, and even your social circle. Today, we’re pitting two cities against each other that are polar opposites on the map and in every conceivable metric: the sun-drenched, coastal behemoth of San Diego, California versus the quiet, high-desert college town of Rexburg, Idaho.
This isn't just a weather report. This is a deep dive into where your dollar stretches, where you’ll feel safe, and where you’ll actually enjoy living. Let’s get into it.
The Vibe Check: Sun, Surf, and Social Scenes
First, let’s set the stage. These two cities aren’t even playing the same sport.
San Diego is the quintessential Southern California dream. It’s a sprawling, diverse metropolis of 1.4 million people where the pace is fast but the lifestyle is laid-back. The culture revolves around the outdoors—beaches, hiking, and a legendary craft beer scene. It’s a city for the ambitious professional who wants to climb the corporate ladder by day and watch the sunset over the Pacific by night. You’re trading space for status and endless variety.
Rexburg is a different world. With a population of just 39,589, it’s a tight-knit, family-centric community in the heart of the Snake River Plain. The vibe is quiet, safe, and deeply rooted in community and faith (it’s home to Brigham Young University–Idaho). Life here is slower, with a focus on outdoor recreation in the Teton Mountains nearby and a cost of living that feels like stepping back in time. It’s for those who prioritize safety, affordability, and a slower pace over urban excitement.
Who is each city for?
- San Diego is for the urban adventurer, the young professional, the beach bum, and the foodie who craves diversity and a dynamic social scene.
- Rexburg is for the young family, the budget-conscious buyer, the retiree seeking peace, and the outdoor enthusiast who prefers mountains over ocean waves.
The Dollar Power: Where Your Paycheck Feels Heavier
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk purchasing power. The first rule of relocation club: sticker shock is real. California is famous for it, and Idaho is famous for being the antidote.
Cost of Living Breakdown
Here’s a head-to-head data table comparing the essential monthly expenses. The numbers tell a brutal story for San Diego.
| Category | San Diego, CA | Rexburg, ID | The Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $930,000 | $370,000 | San Diego is 2.5x more expensive. |
| Rent (1BR Apt) | $2,248 | $1,109 | You pay double in San Diego. |
| Housing Index | 185.8 (85.8% above US avg) | 111.0 (11% above US avg) | San Diego housing is 67% more expensive than Rexburg. |
| Median Income | $105,780 | $50,359 | San Diego pays 2.1x more. |
| Violent Crime Rate | 378.0/100k | 242.6/100k | San Diego is 56% higher. |
| Avg. Summer High | ~78°F | ~85°F (can hit 90s) | San Diego has milder summers. |
| Avg. Winter Low | ~45°F | ~15°F (with heavy snow) | Rexburg has harsh, long winters. |
Salary Wars: The "Purchasing Power" Reality
Let’s do the math. If you earn the median income in each city, where does your money go further?
- In San Diego, earning $105,780 sounds great, but your largest expense—housing—will eat a massive chunk. After taxes (California’s state income tax can be up to 9.3% for this bracket), you’re left with significantly less purchasing power. Your $930,000 home is a massive financial hurdle.
- In Rexburg, earning $50,359 feels like a fraction, but Idaho has a flat income tax of 6.5%, and housing is the game-changer. A $370,000 home is within the realm of possibility for a dual-income household, and rent is less than half of San Diego’s.
The Insight: You need to earn roughly double in San Diego just to maintain a similar standard of living in Rexburg. The "California premium" is real. For the same $100,000 salary, your quality of life in Rexburg (in terms of housing) would be dramatically higher. In San Diego, that salary puts you in the "struggling to afford a decent apartment" category.
The Housing Market: Buy, Rent, or Wait?
San Diego: The Seller’s Fortress
San Diego’s housing market is a beast. With a median home price of $930,000, it’s one of the most expensive markets in the US. It’s a relentless seller’s market with historically low inventory. Competition is fierce, bidding wars are common, and cash offers often leave traditional buyers in the dust. Renting is the default for most young professionals and families. The dream of buying a single-family home here often requires a dual income well above $200,000 and a hefty down payment.
Rexburg: The Buyer’s Gateway (For Now)
Rexburg’s market is accessible but heating up. A median home price of $370,000 is a breath of fresh air compared to coastal California. While it’s still a seller’s market due to low inventory (a common issue nationwide), the barrier to entry is far lower. You can actually find a starter home here without needing a trust fund. Renting is also a viable, affordable option for newcomers, with rates that feel like a typo for anyone from a major metro.
Verdict: If your goal is homeownership, Rexburg is the clear winner. San Diego’s market is for the wealthy or the extremely patient.
The Dealbreakers: Traffic, Weather, and Safety
Traffic & Commute
- San Diego: Traffic is a part of life. The I-5, I-805, and SR-67 are parking lots during rush hour. Commutes can easily be 45-90 minutes each way. You’ll spend a lot of time in your car. The trade-off? The scenery is often gorgeous.
- Rexburg: Traffic is a non-issue. A "rush hour" might mean waiting at one red light. Commutes are typically under 10 minutes. This is a massive quality-of-life win for families and anyone who values their time.
Weather: The Great Divide
- San Diego: The weather is its main selling point. It’s often called the best climate in the US. Average summer highs are a perfect 78°F, with lows around 65°F. Winters are mild, rarely dipping below 45°F. You can enjoy outdoor activities year-round. The downside? It’s expensive for a reason, and you’re missing the four distinct seasons.
- Rexburg: Be ready for a real winter. Rexburg sits at an elevation of 4,800 feet. Winters are long, cold, and snowy, with average lows in the teens (~15°F) and heavy snowfall. Summers are warm and dry, often hitting the mid-80s. If you hate snow and cold, this is a dealbreaker. If you love winter sports and crisp air, it’s paradise.
Crime & Safety
- San Diego: With a violent crime rate of 378.0 per 100,000, San Diego is safer than many large U.S. cities (like San Francisco or Chicago), but it’s still significantly more dangerous than a small town. Crime is concentrated in specific neighborhoods; choosing where to live is critical.
- Rexburg: At 242.6 per 100,000, Rexburg is notably safer than the national average and much safer than San Diego. In a town of this size, crime is rare and often non-violent. For families, the safety component is a massive point in Rexburg’s favor.
The Verdict: Who Wins Your Heart?
No city is perfect. The "winner" depends entirely on your life stage, priorities, and risk tolerance.
🏆 Winner for Families: Rexburg
- Why? The combination of ultra-low cost of living, safer environment, excellent public schools (driven by the community culture), and a tight-knit, family-oriented vibe is unbeatable. You can buy a home, have a single-income household, and raise kids in a safe, supportive community. The trade-off is harsh winters and limited urban amenities.
🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: San Diego
- Why? The career opportunities, networking potential, social scene, and lifestyle are in a different league. You’re trading affordability for access. The weather, food, and endless activities cater to a dynamic, social life. It’s a place to build a resume and an exciting life, even if you’re just renting a room in a shared apartment.
🏆 Winner for Retirees: It’s a Tie (Depends on Your Budget)
- San Diego wins for retirees with a solid nest egg who prioritize climate, cultural amenities, and healthcare access. The weather is perfect for an active outdoor lifestyle year-round.
- Rexburg wins for retirees on a fixed income who prioritize safety, low costs, and a quiet, peaceful environment. The slower pace and stunning mountain scenery are ideal for relaxation.
Final Pros & Cons Lists
San Diego, CA
âś… Pros:
- World-class weather and beaches.
- Vibrant, diverse food and craft beer scene.
- Strong job market (tech, biotech, military, tourism).
- Endless outdoor and cultural activities.
- Dynamic, energetic social scene.
❌ Cons:
- Crippling cost of living (especially housing).
- Brutal traffic and long commutes.
- High state income taxes.
- Competitive housing market (nearly impossible to buy for many).
- Can feel transient and competitive.
Rexburg, ID
âś… Pros:
- Extremely affordable cost of living.
- Safe, family-friendly community.
- Easy commutes and minimal traffic.
- Proximity to world-class outdoor recreation (Tetons, Yellowstone).
- Accessible housing market (buying is feasible).
❌ Cons:
- Harsh, long winters with heavy snow.
- Limited cultural and entertainment options (no major sports, concerts, etc.).
- Lower average salaries and fewer high-paying job opportunities.
- Homogeneous culture (less diverse than major metros).
- Can feel isolated from big-city amenities.
The Bottom Line: Choose San Diego if you’re chasing career growth, a vibrant social life, and are willing to pay a premium for perfect weather. Choose Rexburg if you’re prioritizing financial freedom, safety, and a slower pace of life, and you don’t mind shoveling snow.