Carthage, MO vs Odessa, MO

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Carthage is 15.1% cheaper than Odessa. With a cost index of 68 vs 80, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Carthage to Odessa should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Carthage is $897/month compared to $998/month in Odessa — a 10% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Carthage is more affordable at $133,500 median vs $209,600.

Median household income in Carthage is $50,849 compared to $85,592 in Odessa (-40.6%). While Odessa 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 21.2% of their income on rent, more than the 14% in Odessa.