Alton, IA vs Lewis, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Lewis is 25.8% 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 Lewis to Alton should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Alton is $750/month compared to $638/month in Lewis — a 18% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lewis is more affordable at $60,700 median vs $204,600.

Median household income in Alton is $86,136 compared to $34,341 in Lewis (+150.8%). 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 22.3% in Lewis.