Carthage, IL vs Marengo, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Carthage is 25.5% cheaper than Marengo. With a cost index of 64 vs 85, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Carthage to Marengo should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Carthage is $679/month compared to $1,077/month in Marengo — a 37% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Carthage is more affordable at $115,600 median vs $206,100.

Median household income in Carthage is $75,179 compared to $72,586 in Marengo (+3.6%). Carthage offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Carthage spend roughly 10.8% of their income on rent, less than the 17.8% in Marengo.