Alton, IA vs Emmetsburg, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Emmetsburg is 20.8% cheaper than Alton. With a cost index of 59 vs 71, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Emmetsburg to Alton should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Alton is $750/month compared to $589/month in Emmetsburg — a 27% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Emmetsburg is more affordable at $114,600 median vs $204,600.

Median household income in Alton is $86,136 compared to $57,353 in Emmetsburg (+50.2%). 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 12.3% in Emmetsburg.