Alton, IA vs Bussey, IA

The cost of living difference between Alton, IA and Bussey, IA is dramatic. Bussey is 30.8% cheaper than Alton, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Alton has a cost index of 71 while Bussey sits at 55, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Alton is $750/month compared to $580/month in Bussey — a 29% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Bussey is more affordable at $62,500 median vs $204,600.

Median household income in Alton is $86,136 compared to $47,857 in Bussey (+80%). 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 14.5% in Bussey.