Mackay, ID vs New Plymouth, ID

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Mackay is 15% cheaper than New Plymouth. With a cost index of 67 vs 79, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Mackay to New Plymouth should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Mackay is $631/month compared to $988/month in New Plymouth — a 36% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Mackay is more affordable at $187,500 median vs $199,200.

Median household income in Mackay is $41,474 compared to $59,875 in New Plymouth (-30.7%). While New Plymouth is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Mackay spend roughly 18.3% of their income on rent, less than the 19.8% in New Plymouth.