Carthage, IL vs West Frankfort, IL

West Frankfort is moderately more affordable than Carthage, with a 6.2% lower cost of living index. Carthage scores 64 compared to 60 for West Frankfort, 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 $673/month in West Frankfort — a 1% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: West Frankfort is more affordable at $72,500 median vs $115,600.

Median household income in Carthage is $75,179 compared to $48,143 in West Frankfort (+56.2%). While Carthage is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Carthage spend roughly 10.8% of their income on rent, less than the 16.8% in West Frankfort.