Alton, IL vs Arlington Heights, IL

The cost of living difference between Alton, IL and Arlington Heights, IL is dramatic. Alton is 42.2% cheaper than Arlington Heights, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Alton has a cost index of 70 while Arlington Heights sits at 121, 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 $948/month compared to $1,727/month in Arlington Heights — a 45% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Alton is more affordable at $99,500 median vs $403,200.

Median household income in Alton is $53,005 compared to $118,532 in Arlington Heights (-55.3%). While Arlington Heights 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 21.5% of their income on rent, more than the 17.5% in Arlington Heights.