Performance
Score Breakdown
Zamboanga City
Rexburg
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Zamboanga City is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
40% lower compared to Rexburg.
Housing costs are a major driver: Zamboanga City's average rent is
88% lower than Rexburg's.
| Metric | Zamboanga City | Rexburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $130 | $1,044 | -88% |
| Groceries | $450 | $262 | +72% |
| Utilities | $183 | $180 | +2% |
| Transport | $120 | $150 | -20% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $250 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $1,133 | $1,886 | -40% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 116 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Zamboanga City offers 64% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Zamboanga City delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Zamboanga City is estimated at
$55,000 vs $55,000 in Rexburg.
| Metric | Zamboanga City | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,000 | $39,531 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 68,421 idx | 34,078 idx |
| Household Income | $62,000 | $50,617 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Zamboanga City | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 78.00% | 66.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Rexburg has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,000 minutes (83 hours) per year compared to Zamboanga City.
Zamboanga City scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Zamboanga City leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Zamboanga City | 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 | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Zamboanga City is the larger city
— approximately 21.5x the population of Rexburg.
From a growth perspective, Zamboanga City 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 | Zamboanga City | Rexburg |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,018,894 | 47,466 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.00% | 0.32% |
| Median Age | 38.0 | 21.0 |
| Unemployment | 3.90% | 3.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Zamboanga City
Advantages
Zamboanga City offers a low cost of living, with an index of 95, making it more affordable than many other cities in the Philippines.
The city is experiencing robust economic growth, with a GDP growth rate of 4.9% in 2024, positioning it as a key economic hub in the Zamboanga Peninsula region.
Housing is notably affordable, with median rents for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center around $130 USD.
The city is actively improving its business environment through initiatives like the electronic Business One-Stop Shop (eBOSS), enhancing the ease of doing business.
Zamboanga City Medical Center is a significant healthcare provider, expanding its services and representing the Philippines in international healthcare forums.
Drawbacks
The city has a safety index of 40, indicating potential safety concerns that require residents to be vigilant and informed about current conditions.
Infrastructure challenges, including power fluctuations and connectivity issues, have been identified as constraints to business expansion and investment.
While improving, access to healthcare services can be uneven, with some vulnerable barangays reporting a lack of essential services.
The region faces underemployment challenges, with a rate of 18.9% as of January 2024, indicating that many individuals are seeking additional work or better-paying jobs.
The city's remote location can contribute to challenges with port efficiency and broadband access, impacting logistics and digital connectivity.
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.
Zamboanga City
#1Mindanao, Philippines
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$130
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
95
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.00%
Unemployment
3.90%
Livability
74
Business
68
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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