Alton, IL vs Harwood Heights, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Alton is 27.8% cheaper than Harwood Heights. With a cost index of 70 vs 97, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Alton to Harwood Heights should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Alton is $948/month compared to $1,166/month in Harwood Heights — a 19% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Alton is more affordable at $99,500 median vs $316,400.

Median household income in Alton is $53,005 compared to $79,651 in Harwood Heights (-33.5%). While Harwood Heights 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 17.6% in Harwood Heights.