Alton, IL vs Clarendon Hills, IL

The cost of living difference between Alton, IL and Clarendon Hills, IL is dramatic. Alton is 40.9% cheaper than Clarendon Hills, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Alton has a cost index of 70 while Clarendon Hills sits at 119, 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 $1,124/month in Clarendon Hills — a 16% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Alton is more affordable at $99,500 median vs $595,500.

Median household income in Alton is $53,005 compared to $125,826 in Clarendon Hills (-57.9%). While Clarendon Hills 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 10.7% in Clarendon Hills.