Carthage, MO vs Raytown, MO

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Carthage is 17.8% cheaper than Raytown. With a cost index of 68 vs 83, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Carthage to Raytown should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Carthage is $897/month compared to $1,213/month in Raytown — a 26% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Carthage is more affordable at $133,500 median vs $162,000.

Median household income in Carthage is $50,849 compared to $67,227 in Raytown (-24.4%). While Raytown 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, less than the 21.7% in Raytown.