Carthage, IN vs Orleans, IN

Carthage, IN and Orleans, IN have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.2% difference in their overall index. Carthage scores 68 while Orleans scores 66 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Carthage is $906/month compared to $817/month in Orleans — a 11% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Orleans has cheaper rent, Carthage actually has lower median home values ($88,900 vs $109,900).

Median household income in Carthage is $42,500 compared to $64,504 in Orleans (-34.1%). Orleans 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 25.6% of their income on rent, more than the 15.2% in Orleans.