Carthage, TX vs Monte Alto, TX

Carthage, TX and Monte Alto, TX have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1% difference in their overall index. Carthage scores 68 while Monte Alto scores 69 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 $737/month compared to $1,013/month in Monte Alto — a 27% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Carthage has cheaper rent, Monte Alto actually has lower median home values ($96,400 vs $153,100).

Median household income in Carthage is $44,738 compared to $40,920 in Monte Alto (+9.3%). 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 19.8% of their income on rent, less than the 29.7% in Monte Alto.