Carthage, IL vs Illiopolis, IL

Illiopolis is moderately more affordable than Carthage, with a 5.9% lower cost of living index. Carthage scores 64 compared to 60 for Illiopolis, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Carthage can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Carthage is $679/month compared to $675/month in Illiopolis — a 1% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Illiopolis is more affordable at $96,500 median vs $115,600.

Median household income in Carthage is $75,179 compared to $74,219 in Illiopolis (+1.3%). Carthage 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 Carthage spend roughly 10.8% of their income on rent, less than the 10.9% in Illiopolis.