Performance
Score Breakdown
St. Petersburg
Rexburg
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Rexburg is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
77% higher compared to St. Petersburg.
Housing costs are a major driver: St. Petersburg's average rent is
72% higher than Rexburg's.
| Metric | St. Petersburg | Rexburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,799 | $1,044 | +72% |
| Groceries | $450 | $262 | +72% |
| Utilities | $311 | $180 | +73% |
| Transport | $124 | $150 | -17% |
| Healthcare | $650 | $250 | +160% |
| Monthly Total | $3,334 | $1,886 | +77% |
| Cost Index | 97 | 116 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
St. Petersburg offers 90% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, St. Petersburg delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in St. Petersburg is estimated at
$94,432 vs $55,000 in Rexburg.
| Metric | St. Petersburg | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $75,192 | $39,531 |
| Salary Needed | $94,432 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 77,518 idx | 34,078 idx |
| Household Income | $75,192 | $50,617 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | St. Petersburg | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 66.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Rexburg has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,000 minutes (83 hours) per year compared to St. Petersburg.
St. Petersburg scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, St. Petersburg leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | St. Petersburg | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 42.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
St. Petersburg is the larger city
— approximately 5.5x the population of Rexburg.
From a growth perspective, St. Petersburg is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Rexburg has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | St. Petersburg | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 263,293 | 47,466 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.62% | 0.32% |
| Median Age | 43.0 | 21.0 |
| Unemployment | 4.00% | 3.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
St. Petersburg
Advantages
Abundant sunshine and a warm climate year-round, with an average of 361 sunny days annually.
Vibrant arts and culture scene, including the world-renowned Dalí Museum and numerous galleries.
Strong economic growth and a favorable business environment, ranking #4 in the U.S. for economic growth among mid-sized cities.
No state income tax, which can significantly reduce the overall tax burden for residents.
Beautiful beaches and numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, including parks and waterfront activities.
Drawbacks
Higher than average crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 619.6 per 100,000 residents.
Housing costs, including median home prices and rental rates, can be a significant financial burden for residents.
High humidity and oppressive summer conditions, with temperatures often feeling uncomfortable from May to October.
Above-average utility costs, particularly for electricity and sewer services, contributing to the overall cost of living.
Vulnerability to hurricanes and rising sea levels, which can lead to higher insurance premiums and potential property damage.
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.
St. Petersburg
#72Florida, USA
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,799
Avg Salary
$75,192
Cost Index
97
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.62%
Unemployment
4.00%
Livability
78
Business
75
Rexburg
#28Idaho, 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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