Alden, NY vs Ilion, NY

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Ilion is 19.3% cheaper than Alden. With a cost index of 63 vs 75, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Ilion to Alden should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Alden is $804/month compared to $718/month in Ilion — a 12% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ilion is more affordable at $100,800 median vs $206,700.

Median household income in Alden is $74,426 compared to $61,880 in Ilion (+20.3%). While Alden is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Alden spend roughly 13% of their income on rent, less than the 13.9% in Ilion.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (48.8°F vs 46.7°F). Ilion receives more rainfall at 44" per year compared to 40.7" in Alden.