Carey, ID vs Ketchum, ID

The cost of living difference between Carey, ID and Ketchum, ID is dramatic. Carey is 39.6% cheaper than Ketchum, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Carey has a cost index of 79 while Ketchum sits at 130, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Carey is $964/month compared to $1,190/month in Ketchum — a 19% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Carey is more affordable at $209,200 median vs $756,200.

Median household income in Carey is $50,938 compared to $87,658 in Ketchum (-41.9%). While Ketchum is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Carey spend roughly 22.7% of their income on rent, more than the 16.3% in Ketchum.