Alton, IL vs Berwyn, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Alton is 26.1% cheaper than Berwyn. With a cost index of 70 vs 95, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Alton to Berwyn should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Alton is $948/month compared to $1,175/month in Berwyn — a 19% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Alton is more affordable at $99,500 median vs $286,000.

Median household income in Alton is $53,005 compared to $75,235 in Berwyn (-29.5%). While Berwyn 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 18.7% in Berwyn.