Marengo, IN vs Spencer, IN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Marengo is 16.5% cheaper than Spencer. With a cost index of 59 vs 71, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Marengo to Spencer should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Marengo is $637/month compared to $860/month in Spencer — a 26% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Marengo is more affordable at $87,500 median vs $146,300.

Median household income in Marengo is $43,458 compared to $47,994 in Spencer (-9.5%). The higher salaries in Spencer partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Marengo spend roughly 17.6% of their income on rent, less than the 21.5% in Spencer.