Carthage, MO vs Wentzville, MO

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Carthage is 29.5% cheaper than Wentzville. With a cost index of 68 vs 96, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Carthage to Wentzville should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Carthage is $897/month compared to $1,264/month in Wentzville — a 29% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Carthage is more affordable at $133,500 median vs $302,700.

Median household income in Carthage is $50,849 compared to $111,409 in Wentzville (-54.4%). While Wentzville 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 13.6% in Wentzville.