Alton, IL vs Glenwood, IL

The cost of living difference between Alton, IL and Glenwood, IL is dramatic. Alton is 30.2% cheaper than Glenwood, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Alton has a cost index of 70 while Glenwood sits at 101, 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 $1,639/month in Glenwood — a 42% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Alton is more affordable at $99,500 median vs $182,900.

Median household income in Alton is $53,005 compared to $71,376 in Glenwood (-25.7%). The higher salaries in Glenwood partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Alton spend roughly 21.5% of their income on rent, less than the 27.6% in Glenwood.