Carroll, IA vs Emmetsburg, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Emmetsburg is 16.3% cheaper than Carroll. With a cost index of 59 vs 69, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Emmetsburg to Carroll should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Carroll is $718/month compared to $589/month in Emmetsburg — a 22% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Emmetsburg is more affordable at $114,600 median vs $184,100.

Median household income in Carroll is $59,323 compared to $57,353 in Emmetsburg (+3.4%). Carroll does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Carroll spend roughly 14.5% of their income on rent, more than the 12.3% in Emmetsburg.