Alton, IL vs Glencoe, IL

The cost of living difference between Alton, IL and Glencoe, IL is dramatic. Alton is 66.7% cheaper than Glencoe, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Alton has a cost index of 70 while Glencoe sits at 211, 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 $2,097/month in Glencoe — a 55% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Alton is more affordable at $99,500 median vs $1,354,900.

Median household income in Alton is $53,005 compared to $250,001 in Glencoe (-78.8%). While Glencoe 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 10.1% in Glencoe.