Alton, IL vs Oak Lawn, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Alton is 28.1% cheaper than Oak Lawn. With a cost index of 70 vs 98, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Alton to Oak Lawn should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Alton is $948/month compared to $1,310/month in Oak Lawn — a 28% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Alton is more affordable at $99,500 median vs $267,900.

Median household income in Alton is $53,005 compared to $82,493 in Oak Lawn (-35.7%). While Oak Lawn 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 19.1% in Oak Lawn.