Alton, IA vs Arlington, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Arlington is 25.5% cheaper than Alton. With a cost index of 57 vs 71, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Arlington to Alton should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Alton is $750/month compared to $525/month in Arlington — a 43% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Arlington is more affordable at $110,900 median vs $204,600.

Median household income in Alton is $86,136 compared to $41,250 in Arlington (+108.8%). While Alton is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Alton spend roughly 10.4% of their income on rent, less than the 15.3% in Arlington.