Performance
Score Breakdown
Benton
Rexburg
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Benton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
2% lower compared to Rexburg.
Housing costs are a major driver: Benton's average rent is
12% lower than Rexburg's.
| Metric | Benton | Rexburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $917 | $1,044 | -12% |
| Groceries | $400 | $262 | +53% |
| Utilities | $180 | $180 | 0% |
| Transport | $150 | $150 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $200 | $250 | -20% |
| Monthly Total | $1,847 | $1,886 | -2% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 116 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Benton offers 10% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Benton delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Benton is estimated at
$55,000 vs $55,000 in Rexburg.
| Metric | Benton | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $43,632 | $39,531 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 47,426 idx | 34,078 idx |
| Household Income | $72,876 | $50,617 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Benton | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 75.00% | 66.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Rexburg has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Benton.
For walkability, Rexburg leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Benton | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 24 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 30.0/10 | 42.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 50.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Rexburg is the larger city
— approximately 0.8x the population of Benton.
From a growth perspective, Benton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Benton has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Benton | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 36,595 | 47,466 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.80% | 0.32% |
| Median Age | 38.1 | 21.0 |
| Unemployment | 3.00% | 3.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Benton
Advantages
The cost of living in Benton is approximately 8% lower than the national average, making it highly affordable.
Benton boasts a highly-rated school district, making it attractive for families.
The city has experienced significant economic growth, with Benton County seeing a 15.5% increase in average weekly wages in 2024.
Saline Memorial Hospital in Benton holds an 'A' safety grade and has received awards for cardiac care, indicating high-quality healthcare access.
Benton offers a small-town charm with convenient access to the amenities and employment opportunities of nearby Little Rock.
Drawbacks
Benton has a low Walk Score of 30/100 and is largely car-dependent, meaning most errands require a vehicle.
The city has a high flood risk in certain areas, potentially requiring mandatory flood insurance and higher utility costs.
Benton's violent crime rate of 414.0 per 100,000 residents in 2024 is 18% above the national average.
Public transit options are very limited, with only about 0.1% of residents using it for commuting.
Commutes to major job centers like Little Rock can take 30-45 minutes, which might be a drawback for some residents.
Rexburg
Advantages
Low crime rates contribute to a high safety score and a family-friendly environment.
Affordable cost of living, particularly for housing and daily expenses, compared to national averages.
Strong sense of community and family-oriented atmosphere, enhanced by the presence of BYU-Idaho.
Abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, with proximity to national parks like Yellowstone and Grand Teton.
Short average commute times, making daily travel more efficient.
Drawbacks
Limited nightlife and entertainment options, characteristic of a smaller, quieter town.
Harsh winters with significant snowfall and cold temperatures impact daily activities.
Housing market can be competitive, with desirable properties selling quickly.
Car dependency is high due to limited public transit options.
The median age is very low (21), indicating a strong student population which may influence the city's overall social dynamic.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Benton
#86Arkansas, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$917
Avg Salary
$43,632
Cost Index
92
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
30.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.80%
Unemployment
3.00%
Livability
66
Business
70
Rexburg
#27Idaho, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,044
Avg Salary
$39,531
Cost Index
116
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
42.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.32%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
75
Business
68
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