Carthage, MS vs Clarksdale, MS

Carthage, MS and Clarksdale, MS have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.3% difference in their overall index. Carthage scores 60 while Clarksdale scores 62 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 $549/month compared to $762/month in Clarksdale — a 28% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Carthage has cheaper rent, Clarksdale actually has lower median home values ($84,200 vs $146,800).

Median household income in Carthage is $47,304 compared to $35,210 in Clarksdale (+34.3%). Carthage 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 13.9% of their income on rent, less than the 26% in Clarksdale.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (63.2°F vs 64°F). Carthage receives more rainfall at 58.2" per year compared to 49" in Clarksdale.