Biddeford
Maine, USA
#117 in USA
65
Overall Score
VS
Rexburg
Idaho, USA
#28 in USA
72
Overall Score
Rexburg scores higher overall

Score Breakdown

Biddeford
Rexburg
Livability
67
75
Affordability
55
70
Business
68
68
Growth
60
65

Cost of Living

Rexburg is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately 117% higher compared to Biddeford. Housing costs are a major driver: Biddeford's average rent is 111% higher than Rexburg's.
MetricBiddefordRexburgDiff
Average Rent
$2,199$1,044+111%
Groceries
$426$262+63%
Utilities
$428$180+138%
Transport
$789$150+426%
Healthcare
$252$250+1%
Monthly Total
$4,094$1,886+117%
Cost Index
122116out of 100

Salary & Income

Biddeford offers 71% higher average salaries. However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Biddeford delivers stronger purchasing power — meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day. The minimum comfortable salary in Biddeford is estimated at $87,960 vs $55,000 in Rexburg.
MetricBiddefordRexburg
Average Salary
$67,565$39,531
Salary Needed
$87,960$55,000
Purchasing Power
55,381 idx34,078 idx
Household Income
$72,333$50,617

Climate Comparison

Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
MetricBiddefordRexburg
Avg Temp
°F°F
Summer High
°F°F
Winter Low
°F°F
Rainfall
in in
Snowfall
in in
Sunny Days
Humidity
71.00%66.00%

Commute & Transport

Rexburg has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly 3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Biddeford. For walkability, Biddeford leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
MetricBiddefordRexburg
Commute Time
24 min18 min
Transit Score
30.0/1030.0/10
Walkability
45.0/1042.0/10
Traffic Index
45.00
Car Dependency
HighHigh

Economy & Demographics

Rexburg is the larger city — approximately 0.5x the population of Biddeford. From a growth perspective, Rexburg is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services. On the employment side, Biddeford has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
MetricBiddefordRexburg
Population
22,93247,466
Pop. Growth
%0.32%
Median Age
35.021.0
Unemployment
3.00%3.80%
GDP
$0.0B$0.0B

Pros & Cons

Biddeford
Advantages
Vibrant downtown with revitalized historic mill buildings and cultural attractions.
Lower unemployment rate (3% in May 2026) compared to the national average.
Strong presence of top industries like Education and Health Care and Social Services providing job opportunities.
Relatively young median age (35.0 years) contributing to a dynamic community.
Access to a full-service hospital, MaineHealth Maine Medical Center Biddeford, within the city.
Drawbacks
Overall cost of living is significantly higher than the national average (22% higher in 2026).
Highest violent crime rate in Maine (313.8 per 100K in 2024) and overall crime rate 26% higher than national average.
Housing costs are notably high, with average apartment rent at $2,199/month in July 2026.
High car dependency due to limited public transportation options.
Long-term care costs, such as assisted living and nursing homes, are considerably higher than national averages.
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.

Dive Deeper

Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.

Biddeford
#117
Maine, USA
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,199
Avg Salary
$67,565
Cost Index
122
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
45.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.00%
Livability
67
Business
68
View Full Profile
Rexburg
#28
Idaho, 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
View Full Profile

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