Alton, IL vs Monmouth, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Monmouth is 15.8% cheaper than Alton. With a cost index of 61 vs 70, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Monmouth to Alton should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Alton is $948/month compared to $652/month in Monmouth — a 45% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Monmouth is more affordable at $88,100 median vs $99,500.

Median household income in Alton is $53,005 compared to $59,690 in Monmouth (-11.2%). Monmouth offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Alton spend roughly 21.5% of their income on rent, more than the 13.1% in Monmouth.