Carthage, IL vs University Park, IL

The cost of living difference between Carthage, IL and University Park, IL is dramatic. Carthage is 32% cheaper than University Park, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Carthage has a cost index of 64 while University Park sits at 94, 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 Carthage is $679/month compared to $1,530/month in University Park — a 56% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Carthage is more affordable at $115,600 median vs $137,800.

Median household income in Carthage is $75,179 compared to $65,580 in University Park (+14.6%). 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 28% in University Park.