Alton, IL vs Harrisburg, IL

Harrisburg is moderately more affordable than Alton, with a 12.6% lower cost of living index. Alton scores 70 compared to 62 for Harrisburg, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Alton can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Alton is $948/month compared to $717/month in Harrisburg — a 32% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Harrisburg is more affordable at $84,800 median vs $99,500.

Median household income in Alton is $53,005 compared to $48,488 in Harrisburg (+9.3%). The higher salaries in Alton 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, more than the 17.7% in Harrisburg.