Alton, IL vs Mascoutah, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Alton is 21.4% cheaper than Mascoutah. With a cost index of 70 vs 89, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Alton to Mascoutah should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Alton is $948/month compared to $1,235/month in Mascoutah — a 23% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Alton is more affordable at $99,500 median vs $226,300.

Median household income in Alton is $53,005 compared to $93,902 in Mascoutah (-43.6%). While Mascoutah 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 15.8% in Mascoutah.